Tetrahedral Silver Phosphate/Graphene Oxide Hybrids as Highly Efficient Visible Light Photocatalysts with Excellent Cyclic Stability

Abstract

The degradation efficiency and recyclability of photocatalysts are the key for their practical applications. Tetrahedral silver phosphate (Ag3PO4) is a superior visible-light photocatalyst, while graphene oxide (GO) sheets with high specific surface area and abundant functional groups are expected to further enhance the photocatalytic efficiency and improve the recyclability of Ag3PO4. Herein, we demonstrate an eco-friendly and kinetically controlled approach to synthesize Ag3PO4/GO hybrids. Tetrahedral Ag3PO4 are grown in situ on the GO sheets in mixed solvents, and their microstructures are controlled by the slow dissolution and ionization of H3PO4 and the adjustment of the volume ratios of ethanol/water solvents. The hybrid with 5 wt % of GO exhibits an extraordinary photocatalytic efficiency and satisfactory recyclability for the degradation of organic dyes. Approximately 99% of methylene blue could be degraded in 4 min, and the degradation percentage is still as high as 97% even after 5 cycles of pho...