Boosting photocatalytic performances of lamellar BiVO4 by constructing S-scheme heterojunctions with AgBr for efficient charge transfer.

Successful construction of heterojunction can improve the utilization efficiency of solar light by broadening the absorption range, facilitating charge-carrier separation, promoting carrier transportation and influencing surface-interface reaction. Herein, visible-light-driven AgBr was deposited on the surface of lamellar BiVO₄ which was prepared by a facile hydrothermal process to improve charge carrier separation, and subsequent photocatalytic effectiveness. The catalyst with an optimal AgBr/BiVO₄ ratio exhibited a superbly enhanced photocatalytic decolorization ability (about 6.85 times higher than that of pure BiVO₄) and high stability after four cycles. The unique photocatalytic mechanism of S-scheme carrier migration was investigated on the bases of radical trapping tests and photo/electrochemical characterizations. Results showed that the enhanced migration strategy and intimately interfacial collaboration guaranteed the effective charge carriers separation/transfer, leading to magnificent photocatalytic performance as well as excellent stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]