Facile synthesis of rock-like Ag2ZrO3 decorated with TiO2 nanoparticles heterostructures with highly enhanced visible-light photocatalytic properties.

Binary heterostructures Ag₂ZrO₃/TiO₂ composites have been prepared by a facile calcination-hydrothermal, using ZrOCl₂·8H₂O, AgNO_3, and TBOT as raw materials and PVP as a dispersant. X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), Raman spectrometer, XPS, UV-vis DRS, and photoluminescence (PL) were employed to characterize the Ag₂ZrO₃/TiO₂ composites. In an orthodox three-electrode system with RhB electrolyte solution, electrochemical measurements were carried out, and the results showed that it was a remarkable reversible reaction with reliable stabilization and favorable dynamics properties. The photocatalytic performances of Ag₂ZrO₃/TiO₂ composites were estimated via the dilapidation of RhB under visible-light irradiation. In comparison to the pure TiO_2, the photocatalytic presentation of Ag₂ZrO₃/TiO₂ was enhanced. The presence of Ag₂ZrO₃ formed well-matched band level and constructed a heterogeneous interface to remarkably modify the bandgap energy with prolonged charge separation. The binary Ag₂ZrO₃/TiO₂ composites can be regarded as a potential environmental material for applications in photocatalytic degradation of organic contaminants under visible-light irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]