Highly efficient photocatalytic activity of Ag3PO4/Ag/ZnS(en)0.5 photocatalysts through Z-scheme photocatalytic mechanism

Abstract

A novel Z-scheme Ag₃PO₄/Ag/ZnS(en)_0.5 composite material was successfully prepared via a facile hydrothermal method and in situ precipitation. The composites exhibit significantly improved visible light photostability and photocatalytic activity towards methylene blue (MB) and phenol degradation. The excellent performance is mainly ascribed to the Z-scheme system formation of a Ag₃PO₄, Ag, and ZnS(en)_0.5 hybrid. This system does not only enhance the photogenerated electron–hole pairs separation and transfer efficiency, but also maintains strong oxidation and reduction as well. This study may provide new insights to understand and design Z-scheme photocatalysts with high photoactivity.