A stable Ag3PO4@g-C3N4 hybrid core@shell composite with enhanced visible light photocatalytic degradation

• The Ag3PO4@g-C3N4 core@shell was synthesized by ultrasonication-chemisorption method.
• The shell of g-C3N4 increased the charge separation efficiency.
• The core@shell photocatalysts exhibited enhanced activity and stability.

Ag3PO4@g-C3N4 core@shell composites were prepared via an ultrasonication/chemisorption method. The degradation of methylene blue (MB) over Ag3PO4@g-C3N4 composites was investigated to evaluate their photocatalytic performance. The Ag3PO4@g-C3N4 sample presented the best photocatalytic activity, degrading 97% MB after irradiation for 30 min. Superior stability was also observed in the cyclic runs. The composite has excellent photocatalytic activity and photo-stability and the optimal content of g-C3N4 in the composites is 7.0 wt.%. The efficient photo-generated charge separation originated from a strong interaction in the intimately contact interface, which was confirmed by the results of photocurrent and EIS measurements. Based on the experimental results, a photocatalytic mechanism for organics degradation over Ag3PO4@g-C3N4 photocatalysts was proposed.

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