Ag3PO4 sunlight-induced photocatalyst for degradation of phenol

Abstract

Micrometric particles of Ag₃PO₄ were prepared by a simple precipitation method, and the as-prepared material was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FEG-SEM), nitrogen sorption isotherms, Raman spectroscopy and UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectrophotometry. Ag₃PO₄ particles showed excellent catalytic activity for degradation of phenol using simulated sunlight irradiation (Xenon lamp). After one hour of treatment, approximately 75% of phenol was completely mineralized. Additional experiments were conducted in order to evaluate the influence of dissolved oxygen in the photocatalytic process. During photodegradation assisted by Ag₃PO₄, it was considered that oxygen production and phenol oxidation were competitive processes.