ZnWO4/Ag3PO4 composites with an enhanced photocatalytic activity and stability under visible light

Abstract

A simple and renewable approach to synthesize ZnWO₄/Ag₃PO₄ composites has been explored for the enhancement of the photocatalytic activity and stability of Ag₃PO₄. The XRD, SEM and TEM spectra show that the ZnWO₄ particles are deposited on the Ag₃PO₄ substrate. The photocatalytic experiments demonstrate that the 4% ZnWO₄/Ag₃PO₄ composite exhibits a high photocatalytic activity, which is higher than that of pure Ag₃PO₄. The photoluminescence measurements suggest a more efficient photoinduced charge separation and transfer in the ZnWO₄/Ag₃PO₄ composite. The photocatalytic mechanism of the ZnWO₄/Ag₃PO₄ composite is discussed according to its band structure. The constructed ZnWO₄/Ag₃PO₄ composite exhibited a promising and desirable photocatalytic activity, as well as a good stability under visible light, and thus may find potential applications in environmental decontamination and conversion of solar energy.