Ag/AgBr/BiOBr hollow hierarchical microspheres with enhanced activity and stability for RhB degradation under visible light irradiation

Ag/AgBr/BiOBr hollow hierarchical microspheres were synthesized through a one-pot solvothermal process. The phase structure, morphology and optical property of the samples were characterized by XRD, SEM, XPS and DRS. Ag/AgBr/BiOBr hollow microspheres exhibited higher photocatalytic activity and improved stability than AgBr/BiOBr nanoplates for rhodamine B degradation under visible light irradiation. The enhanced activities of Ag/AgBr/BiOBr could be attributed to the hollow structure and Ag deposition, which is favorable for adsorption of reactants, enhancement of photoadsorption and transfer of photogenerated carriers. Ag deposition also prevented the decomposition of AgBr under light illumination and contributed to an improved stability. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.