A graphitic-C3N4-hybridized Ag3PO4 tetrahedron with reactive {111} facets to enhance the visible-light photocatalytic activity

A graphitic-C3N4-hybridized Ag3PO4 tetrahedron with reactive {111} facets was prepared though a facile solvent evaporation method and applied for the photocatalytic degradation of methyl blue (MB) in aqueous solution and removal of NO at the indoor air level under visible light irradiation (>400 nm). In addition to the superior photocatalytic performance of the highly reactive {111} facets of tetrahedral Ag3PO4, the hybridization with g-C3N4 was confirmed to further improve the photocatalytic activity, and the content of g-C3N4 had a great influence on the photocatalytic activity. The photocatalytic activity enhancement of g-C3N4/Ag3PO4 {111} hybrid photocatalysts could be ascribed to the efficient separation of electron–hole pairs through a Z-scheme system composed of Ag3PO4, Ag and g-C3N4, in which Ag particles acted as the charge separation center. Furthermore, h+ and O2˙− played the major roles in the photocatalysis process. This work suggested that the synthesized g-C3N4/Ag3PO4 {111} hybrid would be a promising visible light driven photocatalytic material for environmental remediation.