In-situ anion-exchange construction of Z-scheme Ag3PO4/AgI, derived AgCl/Ag3PO4/AgI and Ag2CO3/Ag3PO4/AgI composites with multiple redox energy bands and charge transfer pathways for efficient absorption and sonocatalytic properties

Abstract

Z-scheme Ag3PO4/AgI composites were synthesized by facile in-situ anion-exchange method at room temperature (RT). All the catalysts have excellent affinity to dyes and adsorb larger than 70 % of Methyl blue. The fastest adsorption equilibrium of Ag3PO4 (qe: 25.9278 mg/g) with low specific surface area (SSA: 4.6624 m2/g) can be rapidly attained for 6 min. The best color removal efficiency (RE) for Methyl blue over all the composites can rapidly increase to 100 % within 45 min. Meanwhile, the highest RE for RhB over S3 is 98.9 % for 60 min, and corresponding rate constant (k) is 0.07018 min−1. After adding NaCl or Na2CO3 into sonocatalysis, because of the formation of novel ternary AgCl/Ag3PO4/AgI and Ag2CO3/Ag3PO4/AgI during sonocatalytic process, the best REs for RhB over S3 composite increase from 89.8 % (no scavenger) to 98.2 % (1.2 mM NaCl), or to 97.6 % (1.8 mM Na2CO3) for 30 min, respectively, and the REs for Methyl blue over S3 are about 100 % for 10 min. From single Ag3PO4 to binary Ag3PO4/AgI, and to ternary Ag2CO3/Ag3PO4/AgI or AgCl/Ag3PO4/AgI, REs are significantly enhanced. New redox energy bands and charge transfer channels lead to efficiently spatial charge separation and further activation of hole (h+), superoxide anions (·O2−), hydroxyl radicals (·OH). Additionally, the relation among oxygen vacancies (Ov), Zeta potential and RE was discussed in detail. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were used to make clear charge transfer and sonocatalytic mechanism. The evaluation of used samples, adsorption kinetics and modes, diverse degradation pathways and sonocatalytic mechanisms were also discussed in detail. The work provides a novel in-situ strategy for real-time control of catalytic performance by rapidly forming new phase during catalysis at RT. Furthermore, the strategy obviously facilitates real-time development of rare more than ternary composites for enhanced catalytic performance.