Fast-generation of Ag3PO4 concave microcrystals from electrochemical oxidation of bulk silver sheet

Abstract

Silver sheet is used as an anode in Na₃PO₄ solution to synthesize Ag₃PO₄ microcrystals through an electrochemical oxidation process. Ag₃PO₄ microcrystals with a novel concave surface are obtained in a fast-generation manner. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) are used to investigate the microstructure and growth process of Ag₃PO₄ concave microcrystals. The growth mechanism of the Ag₃PO₄ concave microcrystals is illustrated by the preferential overgrowth along <111> and <110> directions of Ag₃PO₄ seeds during the growth process. With the high-index facets exposed on the concave surface, the Ag₃PO₄ concave microcrystals have higher photocatalytic activity than that of irregularly-shaped particles made from the traditional precipitation method.