Ag2O–Bi2O3 composites: synthesis, characterization and high efficient photocatalytic activities†
Abstract
Ag2O nanoparticle modified α-Bi2O3 composite photocatalysts were synthesized and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. XRD patterns confirmed that the composites consist of cubic phase Ag2O and monoclinic α-Bi2O3 phase. The Ag2O loading was greatly increased due to the rough surface of the acid etched Bi2O3 microrods. Photocatalytic activity of the Ag2O–Bi2O3 composites was evaluated using the degradation of methyl orange (MO). The correlation between the Ag2O content and photocatalytic activity was estimated. The composite with Ag to Bi ratio of 3 : 1 as raw material showed the highest visible light activity and the enhancement mechanism was attributed to the separation of photoinduced electron and holes by the carrier transfer.