Fabrication of Ag2CO3/SrCO3 Rods with Highly Efficient Visible-light Photocatalytic Activity

Ag2CO3/SrCO3 rods were prepared by a facile precipitation method using AgNO3, Sr(NO3)2, and Na2CO3 as precursors. The as-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms, and UV-visible (UV-vis) diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activity was evaluated by photodegradation of methyl orange (MO) aqueous solutions under visible-light irradiation (λ > 420 nm). The results indicate that the Ag2CO3/SrCO3 rods become thinner and shorter with the decrease of Ag2CO3/SrCO3 molar ratio. The as-prepared Ag2CO3/SrCO3 rods show excellent visible-light photocatalytic activity. Moreover, Ag2CO3/SrCO3 composites exhibit an enhanced photocatalytic activity compared with the monocomponent Ag2CO3 and SrCO3. Ag2CO3/SrCO3 rods with the Ag2CO3/SrCO3 molar ratio of 1:5 exhibit the highest activity due to the synergetic effects of the large surface area and the heterostructure.