Constructing a compact heterojunction structure of Ag2CO3/Ag2O in-situ intermediate phase transformation decorated on ZnO with superior photocatalytic degradation of ibuprofen

In this study, the ZnO/Ag2CO3/Ag2O photocatalyst had been successfully fabricated via the facile two-step synthesis method, which included the heterojunction of Ag2CO3 on ZnO, followed by the in-situ phase transformation method of Ag2CO3/Ag2O. The phase transformation from Ag2CO3 to Ag2O over ZnO surfaces was observed in different phase structures and the O atom possessed by Ag2O had diffused towards the Ag2CO3 surface, signifying the presence of Ag2CO3/Ag2O heterostructure over the ZnO. The result indicates that the heterojunction of Ag2CO3/Ag2O over ZnO surfaces exhibited a 99.3% photodegradation of Ibuprofen (IBF) solution under visible-light irradiation, with 10-folds higher reaction rate compared to the pristine ZnO. Compact interfacial heterojunction in ZnO-Ag2CO3-Ag2O sample had promoted effective interfacial charge transfers due to synergistic effect of Ag2CO3/Ag2O heterostructure. This situation leads an extended light absorption due to light sensitive Ag2CO3 and Ag2O which can all lead to an improved photocatalytic activity of the ZnO/Ag2CO3/ Ag2O. Experimental and characterization results have shown that a plausible mechanism of highlighting the surface of redox reaction and charge transfer pattern on ZnO/Ag2CO3/Ag2O had been attained. Hence, heterojunction with interface structure could be a promising photocatalyst for photocatalytic applications.