Synthesis and characterization of Ag-AgVO₃/Cu₂O heterostructure with improved visible-light photocatalytic...

Heterostructure Ag-AgVO₃/Cu₂O photocatalyst was prepared by the hydrothermal procedure. The prepared photocatalysts were characterized by different physico-chemical techniques. For Ag-AgVO₃/Cu₂O composites, AgVO₃ shows the monoclinic phase whereas Ag and Cu₂O show a cubic phase. SEM images of Ag-AgVO₃/Cu₂O composites illustrated that the surface of AgVO₃ nanorods was covered by Ag and Cu₂O nanoparticles. Ultra violet - visible diffuse reflectance spectra revealed that the calculated optical response of Ag-AgVO₃/Cu₂O composite was found to be 2.24 eV. Additionally, the composite catalyst demonstrated improved photo-efficiency for the decolorization of methylene blue dye compared to that of pristine AgVO₃. The better performance of the composite sample can be ascribed to its high charge separation and inhibition in recombination of charges in Ag-AgVO₃/Cu₂O catalyst Finally, this heterostructure Ag-AgVO₃/Cu₂O catalyst demonstrated good stability which simply can be recycled a number of times with steadiness; thus, unwraps new possibilities for applications as innovative photocatalyst.