Mosaic structure effect and superior catalytic performance of AgBr/Ag2MoO4 composite materials

Abstract

AgX (X = Cl, Br, I)-modified Ag₂MoO₄ crystals with a mosaic style can be produced in quantity through an in situ composite method. Different AgX–Ag₂MoO₄ composite materials (CMs) exhibited various photocatalytic abilities due to their diverse properties, among which AgBr–Ag₂MoO₄ CMs performed best. The catalytic efficiency of AgBr–Ag₂MoO₄ CMs was enhanced 149 times compared to pure Ag₂MoO₄, degrading organic dyes within just 2 min. We have proposed a brand new theory, “the mosaic structure effect”, to explain the achievement of this high efficiency catalysis. This mosaic structure effect contributed most to the artistic and regular coating, the tight inlay of the AgBr and Ag₂MoO₄, as well as to the increase in the recombination lifetime of the carrier. This study exhibited a certified record efficiency in degrading organic dyes and antibiotics.