A novel AgI/BiOIO3 nanohybrid with improved visible-light photocatalytic activity

A visible-light-driven AgI/BiOIO3 nanohybrid photocatalyst was prepared via a successive hydrothermaldeposition process. The microstructures, morphologies, and composition of the obtained photocatalysts were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectrum (DRS) showed that the light absorption of the AgI/BiOIO3 nanohybrid is broadened from the UV to visible light region. The effect of AgI loading on BiOIO3 for photodegrading Rhodamine B (RhB) under visible light irradiation was investigated. The AgI/BiOIO3 nanohybrid exhibited superior photocatalytic activities to the bare AgI and BiOIO3, with the 30% AgI/BiOIO3 sample showing the highest photocatalytic degradation efficiency. Based on the energy band structure and the analysis of reactive species, the probable mechanism of enhanced photocatalytic reaction was discussed.