Construction of all-solid-state Z-scheme 2D BiVO4/Ag/CdS composites with robust photoactivity and stability

Abstract A three-component BiVO4/Ag/CdS Z-scheme photocatalyst was synthesized through a two-step in-situ deposition method. Ag nanoparticles obtained from photoreduction are distributed on the BiVO4 (010) facets with a low LUMO level. CdS is gradually deposited onto BiVO4/Ag composites by electrostatic self-assembly. The unique structural configuration with closely integrated triple points among BiVO4, Ag, and CdS, facilitates the transfer of charge carriers, and thus improves the photocatalytic ability and stability. Based on the trapping test, the all-solid-state Z-scheme photocatalytic mechanism is proposed and further validated with photoelectrochemical measurements.