Fabrication of In2O3-Ag-Ag3PO4 composites with Z-scheme configuration for photocatalytic ethylene degradation under visible light irradiation

Photocatalytic degradation of ethylene under visible light remains a challenge at the frontiers of chemistry. In this study, In2O3-Ag-Ag3PO4 composite semiconductors with Z-scheme configuration were fabricated for the first time by in-situ synthesis of Ag3PO4 on In2O3 and subsequent photoreduction of Ag3PO4 to generate nano silver. Their performances on photocatalytic degradation of ethylene under visible light illumination were investigated. Results demonstrated that both the activity of ethylene photocatalytic degradation and Ag3PO4 photostabilization are considerably improved by making such a Z-scheme composite. According to the material design perspective and the application in the field of environmental pollutant remediation, the present research will provide potential value for further study on the removal of HC (Hydrocarbons) from the atmosphere and the stability concern of Ag3PO4 and other materials with photocorrosion. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.