A novel photofunctional g-C3N4/Ag3PO4 bulk heterojunction for decolorization of Rh.B

A novel photofunctional graphitic carbon nitride/silver phosphate (g-C3N4/Ag3PO4) bulk heterojunction has been reported for photodecolorization of Rhodamine B (Rh.B), which was synthesized step-by-step by the ion-impregnating method. The UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra showed that the g-C3N4/Ag3PO4 bulk heterojunction has two intense optical absorption edges corresponding to g-C3N4 and Ag3PO4 in the visible light region. Photoluminescence spectra confirmed that the separation efficiency of photogenerated charges in the heterojunction was more intensive than pristine g-C3N4. Furthermore, the vectorial charge transfer at the g-C3N4/Ag3PO4 interface could be confirmed by photocurrent response. The g-C3N4/Ag3PO4 heterojunction with 5:1 weight ratio exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity for decolorization of Rh.B which was higher than that of pristine g-C3N4 and Ag3PO4.