Synthesis and characterization of Ag3PO4 immobilized in bentonite for the sunlight-driven degradation of Orange II

A novel method for intercalating silver salt into bentonite interlayers is described. The very fine Ag3PO4 crystalline grains (less than 0.45 nm) were obtained in the interlayers of bentonite (Ag3PO4-Ben). Ag3PO4-Ben was characterized by XRD, FTIR, XRF, XPS and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. Ag3PO4-Ben particles exhibited high catalytic efficiency for Orange II degradation under visible light irradiation. The photocatalytic activity is attributed to the small-sized Ag3PO4 crystal immobilized in bentonite and the strong adsorption of dye on bentonite. The special structure of bentonite and the microenvironment around the catalysis enhanced the stability.

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► Fine Ag3PO4 crystalline grains (smaller than 0.45 nm) were immobilized in bentonite.
► Ag3PO4 photocatalytic activity and stability were improved.
► The content of silver in the photocatalyst decreased from 77.3 wt% to 10.7 wt%.