Three-dimensional Ag/POM/Cu2O tricomponent nanohybrids with enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity

In this work, three-dimensional (3D) Ag/AgHPW/Cu2O tricomponent nanohybrids are first constructed on the surface of Cu network at room temperature without using any other organic templates and surfactants. This synthesis route is green and simple. The polyoxometalate (POM) is employed to serve as both a redox agent and an encapsulating molecule for the formation of the hybrids. The as-prepared Ag/AgHPW/Cu2O nanohybrids exhibit excellent photocatalytic activity toward the degradation of several common dyes. The remarkable increase in the photocatalytic performance of the nanohybrids correlates to the synergistic effects of the three components in the nanohybrids. The hybrids reported here may have potential implications toward the degradation of organic species.

► Three-dimensional Ag/AgHPW/Cu2O tricomponent nanohybrids are synthesized.
► The 3D Ag@AgHPW/Cu2O nanohybrids exhibit excellent photocatalytic activity.
► The high activity can be ascribed to the synergistic effects.