All-solid-state Z-scheme Ag3PO4/CSs/AgBr heterostructures for efficient visible-light photocatalysis and the photocatalytic mechanism

A novel solid-state Z-scheme photocatalyst Ag3PO4/CSs/AgBr (carbon spheres, CSs) was rationally designed and successfully synthesized via a facile hydrothermal coprecipitation reaction. AgBr and Ag3PO4 were effectively loaded on the surface of the CSs and Ag3PO4/CSs/AgBr showed wide visible light absorption and superior photocatalytic performance. On the basis of ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS) analysis and scavenger reactions, a possible photocatalytic reaction mechanism for Ag3PO4/CSs/AgBr is proposed. The CSs act as a charge carrier transfer bridge for constructing the all-solid-state Z-scheme photocatalyst. The photogenerated electrons from Ag3PO4 and holes from AgBr congregate and recombine in the CSs phase, leaving photogenerated electrons with strong reduction abilities in the conduction band (CB) of AgBr and holes with strong oxidation abilities in the valence band (VB) of Ag3PO4. Some Ag+ ions accept electrons and turn to Ag nanoparticles (NPs), leading to the surface plasmon resonance of Ag NPs on AgBr. Therefore, the photocatalytic performance and stability were significantly improved.