Controlled synthesis of peony-shaped photocatalyst grains of Ag3PO4/Zn3(PO4)2 by coprecipitation and recrystallization technology

Abstract

Peony-shaped grains of a Ag₃PO₄/Zn₃(PO₄)₂ composite have been synthesized at room temperature through coprecipitation and recrystallization technology with the coexistence of Zn²⁺ and Ag⁺ in a aqueous solution. The simultaneous presence of high-concentration Ac⁻ ions plays a key role in the initial formation of flower-shaped grains of Zn₃(PO₄)₂ being the large-area host of this composite. Compared with pure Ag₃PO₄ crystals, the obtained composite exhibits enhanced visible-light-driven photocatalytic activity and stability for decomposition of Rhodamine B in aqueous solution. This is attributed to effective hole–electron pair transport and optimal Ag₃PO₄ dispersion achieved by confining Ag₃PO₄ to the as-prepared Zn₃(PO₄)₂ framework.