ZnWO4/Ag3PO4 composites with an enhanced photocatalytic activity and stability under visible light

A simple and renewable approach to synthesize ZnWO4/Ag3PO4 composites has been explored for the enhancement of the photocatalytic activity and stability of Ag3PO4. The XRD, SEM and TEM spectra show that the ZnWO4 particles are deposited on the Ag3PO4 substrate. The photocatalytic experiments demonstrate that the 4% ZnWO4/Ag3PO4 composite exhibits a high photocatalytic activity, which is higher than that of pure Ag3PO4. The photoluminescence measurements suggest a more efficient photoinduced charge separation and transfer in the ZnWO4/Ag3PO4 composite. The photocatalytic mechanism of the ZnWO4/Ag3PO4 composite is discussed according to its band structure. The constructed ZnWO4/Ag3PO4 composite exhibited a promising and desirable photocatalytic activity, as well as a good stability under visible light, and thus may find potential applications in environmental decontamination and conversion of solar energy.