One-step synthesis of flower-like Ag/AgCl/BiOCl composite with enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity

The flower-like Ag/AgCl/BiOCl composite was prepared by a one-step chemical bath method at low temperature for the first time. The morphology, crystallinity, composition, and optical property were well characterized by scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectrophotometer and nitrogen adsorption-desorption. The Ag/AgCl/BiOCl composite displayed enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity against rhodamine B, which was much higher than Ag/AgCl or BiOCl. The mechanism for the degradation of rhodamine B over the Ag/AgCl/BiOCl was discussed. The superoxide radical and chlorine radical or the hole played critical roles instead of hydroxyl radicals.

The flower-like Ag/AgCl/BiOCl composite was prepared by a one-step chemical bath method and displayed enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity against rhodamine B. The photo-induced holes,
• Cl and superoxide radicals played critical roles in the photodegradation.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► The successful fabrication of the flower-like Ag/AgCl/BiOCl composites.
► The Ag/AgCl/BiOCl exhibits an enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity.
► The hole,
• Cl and superoxide radical play a critical role in the photodegradation.