Plasmon Ag/AgVO3/ TiO2-nanowires S-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst for CO2 reduction

The optimized ratio of a AgVO 3 /Ag/TiO 2 -nanowires (NWs) composite has been fabricated by adjusting the mass ratio between the two components (AgVO 3 and TiO 2 -NWs) through a simple hydrothermal process. TEM image has clearly revealed that the morphology and structure of AgVO 3 /Ag/TiO 2 -NWs, and suggested the formation of a heterojunction composite material. The optimal S-scheme AgVO 3 /Ag/TiO 2 -NWs photocatalysts with 25 wt% AgVO 3 , the methanol production rate (R methanol ) is equal to 9561.3 μmole/g-h. This result has indicated that the synergistic effect between AgVO 3 and TiO 2 -NWs led to the formation of an internal electric field pointing from AgVO 3 to TiO 2 -NWs, which drove the S-scheme charge transfer mode between AgVO 3 and TiO 2 -NWs. The S-scheme structure can enhance utilization of light and improve the separation and transfer of photogenerated electron/hole pairs. Furthermore, the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect of Ag at photocatalyst surface also facilitates the photocatalytic reaction. The synergistic effect of S-scheme heterojunction and SPR greatly increasing the photocatalytic rate of CO 2 reduction reaction. • The Ag/AgVO 3 /TiO 2 S-scheme heterojunction has been successfully constructed. • The S-scheme heterojunction structure and SPR greatly increasing the photocatalytic rate. • The 25 wt%-AgVO 3 /Ag/TiO 2 -NWs possessed the optimal photocatalytic methanol yield. • 25 wt%-AgVO 3 /Ag/TiO 2 -NWs has exceptional photocatalysis activity and stability.