Surface photoelectric and photodegradation activities of AgNbO3 synthesized by solvothermal method

Silver niobate (AgNbO3) with different morphologies is obtained by annealing the precursors prepared at different temperatures by solvothermal method at 800 °C. Scanning electron microscope images of the samples show the formation process of the morphologies. The weakest photovoltaic and the highest photocatalytic properties of the sample obtained from the precursors prepared at 190 °C are possibly caused by the synergetic effects between several kinds of particles, and between AgNbO3 and Nb2O5. Both the temperature and the amount of Nb2O5 are crucial for the morphologies, the photoelectric and photocatalytic properties of the samples.

► AgNbO3 with different morphologies is obtained by solvothermal method.
► Formation process of the morphologies was observed.
► Synergetic effects brought the weakest photovoltaic and highest photocatalytic properties.
► Temperature and amount of Nb2O5 are crucial for the morphologies and various properties.