Plasmonic Z-scheme Ag2O-Bi2MoO6 p-n heterojunction photocatalysts with greatly enhanced visible-light responsive activities

Ag2O-Bi2MoO6 p-n heterojunction photocatalysts were prepared via simple precipitation and photosynthesis processes. The prepared composites exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity in the removal of organic pollutants (Rhodamine B and phenol) from wastewater. The improved visible-light driven photocatalytic activity can be attributed to the existence of silver nanoparticles on the surface and to the establishment of p-n heterojunctions between Ag2O (p-type semiconductor) and Bi2MoO6 (n-type semiconductor). This work sheds light on the importance of considering the semiconductor type (p/n- type) when forming composite photocatalysts and utilization of the SPR effect of nanoparticles on the photocatalysts surface.