Interface matters: Design of an efficient alpha-Ag2WO4/Ag3PO4 photocatalyst

Author(s):Show less -

Trench, Aline B. ; Alvarez, Roman ; Teodoro, Vinicius ; da Trindade, Leticia G. ; Machado, Thales R. ; Teixeira, Mayara M. ; de Souza, Daniele ; Pinatti, Ivo M. ; Simoes, Alexandre Z. ; Gobato, Yara Galvao ; Andres, Juan ; Longo, Elson

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Materials Chemistry and Physics; v. 280, p. 12-pg., 2022-02-12.

Abstract

Heterojunction engineering of complex metal oxides is an active area of research that addresses fundamental questions in solid-state systems with broad technological applications. In this work, alpha-Ag2WO4/Ag3PO4 heterojunctions with different amounts of alpha-Ag2WO4 (12, 24, and 36 wt%) were synthesized by the coprecipitation method and characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and photoluminescence. The alpha-Ag2WO4/Ag3PO4 heterojunction containing 24% wt of alpha-Ag(2)WO(4 )showed the most enhanced photocatalytic activity for the degradation of Rhodamine B, being much higher than Ag3PO4 and alpha-Ag2WO4. Trapping experiments revealed that the holes and superoxide radical, in minor extent, were the main active species in the photocatalytic degradation. Such enhanced photocatalytic performance was explained by the surface plasmon resonance effect associated with the presence of metallic Ag at the interface and the formation of a type I heterojunction between alpha-Ag2WO4 and Ag3PO4 semiconductors. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 19/25944-8 - Femtosecond and nanosecond laser irradiation of Ag2SeO4 and Ag2SeO3 compounds and its theoretical study
• Grantee: Ivo Mateus Pinatti
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor
• FAPESP's process: 19/23488-5 - 2D devices for optoeletronics
• Grantee: Yara Galvão Gobato
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 19/23488-5 - 2D devices for optoeletronics
• Grantee: Yara Galvão Gobato
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 19/03722-3 - Evaluation of the Theoretical, Structural and Morphological Properties of Selenium and Silver Nanomaterials for Photoluminescent and Biological Application
• Grantee: Ivo Mateus Pinatti
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 13/07296-2 - CDMF - Center for the Development of Functional Materials
• Grantee: Elson Longo da Silva
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research, Innovation and Dissemination Centers - RIDC