AgVO3/Ag6Si2O7 nanocomposites with enhancing visible-light driven photocatalysis performance

The AgVO3/Ag6Si2O7 nanocomposite was developed via the coprecipitation method. After being composited, these two nanostructures developed a heterojunction form. The DRS spectra suggested that these nanocomposites with different ratios possessed suitable bandgap, therefore could strongly absorb visible light. The EIS and Mott Schottky plot curves show that the AgVO3 structure was n-type conductivity semiconductor, while the Ag6Si2O7 structure was p-type conductivity, and these two semiconductors could form the p-n heterojunction nanostructure. The AgVO3/Ag6Si2O7 nanocomposite possess higher photogenerated carrier transfer efficiency and stability of the photogenerated carriers. The organic dye photodegradation activity studies suggested that the AgSV-12 exhibited the best photocatalysis effectivity, and showed good photodegradation activity to other organic dyes. The ESR and reactive species quenchers study suggested that the reactive species that oxidized the organic dyes were photogenerated holes, center dot O-2(-) and center dot OH, and the photogenerated holes played the essential factor. Finally, the photocatalysis mechanism and process were presumed as the p-n heterojunction mechanism.

Automated summary

The AgVO3/Ag6Si2O7 nanocomposite, prepared through the coprecipitation method, showed suitable bandgap for strong absorption of visible light. The heterojunction nanostructure formed by these two nanostructures exhibited higher photogenerated carrier transfer efficiency and stability. Among them, AgSV-12 demonstrated the best photocatalytic activity and showed good photodegradation activity towards other organic dyes.