Novel ZnO/Ag3PO4/AgI photocatalysts: Preparation, characterization, and the excellent visible-light photocatalytic performances

Novel ZnO/Ag3PO4/AgI photocatalysts were prepared via an easy refluxing procedure. The different chemical and physical features of obtained photocatalysts were studied by various characterization instruments. The photocatalytic degradations of a series of organic pollutants were used as criteria for evaluating photocatalytic activities. The ZnO/Ag3PO4/AgI (30%) sample exhibited the excellent photodegradation rate constant for RhB, which was almost 71.2, 3.1, and 1.8-times higher than the ZnO, ZnO/Ag3PO4 (20%), and Ag3PO4/AgI (30%) photocatalysts, respectively. These enhancement are corresponded to the increased absorption of visible irradiation, the improvement of specific surface area, and retardation of charges from recombination. Based on the results of the scavenger experiments and Mott-Schottky curves, a possible photocatalytic mechanism has been proposed. Excellent photocatalytic activity and recyclability make ZnO/Ag3PO4/AgI photocatalyst as nominee to solve environmental crises.