Preparation of Ag3PO4/AgBr Hybrids Using a Facile Grinding Method and Their Applications as Photocatalysts

Abstract

Highly efficient visible-light-induced Ag3PO4/AgBr hybrids were prepared via a facile and effective grinding method. The synthetic route was simply achieved through the grinding of Ag3PO4 with NaBr in an agate mortar at room temperature. During the grinding process, the mechanochemical effect induced the solid-state reaction of Ag3PO4 and NaBr to form AgBr nanoparticles on the surface of the Ag3PO4 particles. After calcination and wa- shing, Ag3PO4/AgBr hybrids were obtained. The AgBr shells prevented photocorrosion and improved the structural stability in water. Interestingly, the compositions, morphologies and optical absorption properties of the Ag3PO4/AgBr hybrids could be finely controlled by adjusting the NaBr content and grinding time. The photocatalytic activities of the as-prepared samples were investigated in terms of the degradation of rhodamine B(RhB) under visible light irradiation. The photocatalytic activities of the Ag3PO4/AgBr hybrids were much improved compared to those of of Ag3PO4 or AgBr individually. Under visible light irradiation for 1 h, the Ag3PO4/AgBr hybrids exhibited a 66.8%―76.8% increase in photocatalytic efficiency compared to pure Ag3PO4.