Synthesis of Ternary Heterostructure Semiconductor Photocatalyst and Its Photocatalytic Performance Under Visible Light Irradiation

Introducing magnetic metal onto semiconductor materials has been proven to be an attractive strategy for enhancing the photocatalytic activity in the visible region. In this work, ternary heterostructure magnetic semiconductor photocatalyst RGO/ZnFe2O4/Ag2WO4 was successfully synthesized through a simple hydrothermal method and was evaluated by photodegradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) under visible light irradiation. The composition, structure, morphology, and optical absorption properties of the as-prepared photocatalyst were investigated by XRD, FT-IR, SEM, and UV-Vis DRS, respectively. It was found that the photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation was in the order of RGO/ZnFe2O4/Ag2WO4 > ZnFe2O4 > Ag2WO4 > RGO/ZnFe2O4 and RGO/ZnFe2O4/Ag2WO4. The enhancement of photocatalytic performance could be attributed to the reduced graphene oxide sheets can function as an electron collector and transporter to lengthen the lifetime of the charge carriers, improving the whole photocatalytic activity. The reaction kinetics, possible degradation pathway, and catalyst stability, as well as the roles of ZnFe2O4 and Ag2WO4 in photoreaction, were comprehensively studied. The obtained results indicate that the prepared magnetic and effective catalytic materials could be potentially applied in environmental organic pollutants purification.

Automated summary

The introduction of magnetic metal onto semiconductor materials has been found to enhance the photocatalytic activity in the visible region. In this study, a ternary heterostructure magnetic semiconductor photocatalyst RGO/ZnFe2O4/Ag2WO4 was synthesized and evaluated for the degradation of Rhodamine B under visible light. The results showed that the photocatalytic activity was enhanced by the presence of reduced graphene oxide, which served as an electron collector and transporter. The prepared photocatalyst has potential applications in the purification of environmental organic pollutants.