Ag3PO4 Semiconductor Photocatalyst: Possibilities and Challenges

Ag3PO4 as a photocatalyst has attracted enormous attention in recent years due to its great potential in harvesting solar energy for environmental purification and fuel production. The photocatalytic performance of Ag3PO4 strongly depends on its morphology, exposed facets, and particle size. The effects of morphology and orientation of Ag3PO4 on the catalytic performance and the efforts on the stability improvement of Ag3PO4 are reviewed here. This paper also discusses the current theoretical understanding of photocatalytic mechanism of Ag3PO4, together with the recent progress towards developing Ag3PO4 composite photocatalysts. The crucial issues that should be addressed in future research activities are finally highlighted.