Ag2O/Ag3PO4 heterostructures: highly efficient and stable visible-light-induced photocatalyst for degradation of methyl orange and phenol

Ag₂O/Ag₃PO₄ heterostructures photocatalysis was prepared for the first time. Photocatalytic tests displayed that the Ag₂O/Ag₃PO₄ heterostructures possessed a much higher degradation rate of methyl orange and phenol than pure Ag₃PO₄ under visible light. The enhanced photocatalytic activity could be attributed to effective separation of photogenerated carriers driven by photoinduced potential difference generated at the Ag₂O/Ag₃PO₄ heterojunction interface. Repetitive tests showed that the Ag₂O/Ag₃PO₄ heterostructures maintained high stability over several cycles, and it had better regeneration capability under mild conditions. The good stability could be attributed to the protection of insoluble Ag₂O nanoparticles on the surfaces of Ag₃PO₄ crystals in aqueous solution.