A novel method for the synthesis of Ag3VO4/Ag2VO2PO4 heterojunction photocatalysts with improved visible-light photocatalytic properties

Ag3VO4/Ag2VO2PO4 heterostructure with highly enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity were synthesized by using Ag2VO2PO4 as the sacrificed template in different concentration of ammonia solution. Their crystalline structure, morphology, optical, and electrochemical properties were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and electrochemical measurements. The photocatalytic degradation activities of as-prepared samples were evaluated by the photocatalytic of methylene blue (MB), methyl orange (MO) and imidacloprid in the aqueous phase. Compared with bare Ag2VO2PO4, the etched samples Ag3VO4/Ag2VO2PO4 exhibit the significantly enhanced photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation. The Ag3VO4/Ag2VO2PO4 with 0.15 M etched sample exhibits the highest activity, which are nearly 3.8, 8.6 and 9 times higher than bare Ag2VO2PO4 for removal of MB, MO and imidacloprid, respectively. The improved photocatalytic performance of Ag3VO4/Ag2VO2PO4 can be attributed to the formation of Ag2VO2PO4/Ag3VO4 heterojunction, which suppresses the recombination of photoinduced charges and prolongs the lifetime of the charges. Moreover, the photostability and dominant active species were investigated.