Investigation of electronic and photocatalytic properties of AgTi2(PO4)3 NASICON-type phosphate: Combining experimental data and DFT calculations

Ag-based semiconductors have attracted significant attention as promising visible-light photocatalysts for environmental purification. In this study, electronic and photocatalytic properties of AgTi2(PO4)3 NASICON-type phosphate, have been addressed in detail, combining experimental results and theoretical calculations. The as-prepared sample was characterized for its morphological, structural and optical properties by various techniques. The generalized gradient approximation by Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof (GGA-PPE) within density functional theory (DFT) was used to investigate the electronic structure. We have applied corrective Hubbard U terms to Ti 3d orbitals in order to better reproduce the experimental band gap of 2.6 eV. The photocatalytic activity has then been performed for rhodamine B dye degradation under visible light illumination. Efficient dye degradation up to 97.2% was achieved in 120 min. In addition, the catalyst exhibited good stability over four consecutive cycles. Finally, combining experimental and theoretical findings, the origin of the photocatalytic activity was identified and a photodegradation mechanism was proposed.