Core-shell Ag@nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots modified BiVO4 nanosheets with enhanced photocatalytic performance under Vis-NIR light: Synergism of molecular oxygen activation and surface plasmon resonance

Visible-near infrared (Vis-NIR) light accounts for similar to 95% of solar light. In recent years, rational design of Vis-NIR responsive photocatalyst with improved photocatalytic performance has attracted growing concern. In this work, a Vis-NIR responsive photocatalyst was developed by integrating core-shell structured Ag@nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots (N-CQDs) with BiVO4 nanosheets. The efficiencies of tetracycline hydrochloride (TC) removal based on the BiVO4/Ag@N-CQDs composite were 80.37% and 65.67% under visible light irradiation (lambda > 420 nm) for 60 min and NIR light irradiation (lambda > 760 nm) for 180 min, respectively. This improved photocatalytic performance of BiVO4/Ag@N-CQDs composite stems from the synergistic effect between BiVO4 nanosheets and core-shell structured Ag@N-CQDs nanoparticles. The as-prepared BiVO4/Ag@N-CQDs composite exhibits surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and molecular oxygen activation. Thus, the charge separation, light absorption in Vis-NIR region and oxidation ability are boosted during the photocatalytic activity. This work provides a new insight for designing advanced structure of Vis-NIR responsive photocatalyst.

Automated summary

In this study, a visible-near infrared responsive photocatalyst was developed by integrating BiVO4 nanosheets and core-shell structured Ag@N-CQDs nanoparticles, exhibiting improved photocatalytic performance. The composite material showed surface plasmon resonance and molecular oxygen activation, enhancing charge separation, light absorption, and oxidation ability during photocatalysis. This work provides new insight into designing advanced structure of visible-near infrared responsive photocatalysts.