Nanocrystalline pyrochlore AgSbO3: Hydrothermal synthesis, photocatalytic activity and self-stable mechanism study

Nanocrystalline pyrochlore AgSbO3 has been successfully synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method and was fully characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The as-prepared pyrochlore AgSbO3 showed a higher photocatalytic activity in the degradation of typical dye as compared to that prepared by the solid-state reaction. The photocatalytic mechanism of pyrochlore AgSbO3 and its stability during photocatalytic reactions was investigated. It was found that pyrochlore AgSbO3 can maintain its structure stability and photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiations by partial formation of metallic Ag and Ag2O on its surface during the photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants. This study provides some new insights into the photocatalytic mechanism of Ag-based multi-metal oxide photocatalysts.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights▸ Nanocrystalline pyrochlore AgSbO3 can be synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method. ▸ Hydrothermally prepared AgSbO3 exhibits a superior photocatalytic activity. ▸ Partial formation of metallic Ag and Ag2O on the surface of pyrochlore AgSbO3 during photocatalysis. ▸ Pyrochlore AgSbO3 can maintain its photocatalytic activity during the photocatalytic reaction.