High visible light response Z-scheme Ag3PO4 / g-C3N4 / ZnO composite photocatalyst for efficient degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride: Preparation, properties and mechanism

By P. Zhu, Min Hu, M. Duan, Lisi Xie, Maoyue Zhao. 2020

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Abstract A novel ternary Z-scheme Ag3PO4/g-C3N4/ZnO photocatalyst has been prepared and was characterized by XRD, FTIR, XPS, SEM and TEM, UV–Vis DRS, Transient fluorescence spectra and EIS Nyquist plots to describe the morphology, structure and photocatalytic performance. The result of the characterization shows that the three substances successfully formed a composite Ag3PO4/g-C3N4/ZnO which exhibits enhanced performance and stability, due to the good electron transfer ability and suitable band structure. The degradation rate of tetracycline hydrochloride can reach 88.48% under the best conditions and more sensitive to sunlight. After using four times, the Ag3PO4/g-C3N4/ZnO still shows good degradation efficiency, indicating advanced photocatalytic properties and improved stability. Finally, a possible Z-scheme mechanism is proposed on the basis of the results of characterization and degradation experiments, showing that ZnO performs as electronic conductor between Ag3PO4 and g-C3N4, while Ag3PO4 and g-C3N4 generate h+ and •O2−. The resulting formation of Z-scheme structure showed decreased photocorrosion and improved stability.

Subfields: Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Materials Chemistry, Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

View Paper: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/1834bfe2b21eaea5d7964c0a110eaa58eccf7e89