Preparation of Ag3PO4/AgBr Hybrids Using a Facile Grinding Method and Their Applications as Photocatalysts

Highly efficient visible-light-induced Ag₃PO₄/AgBr hybrids were prepared via a facile and effective grinding method. The synthetic route was simply achieved through the grinding of Ag₃PO₄ with NaBr in an agate mortar at room temperature. During the grinding process, the mechanochemical effect induced the solid-state reaction of Ag₃PO₄ and NaBr to form AgBr nanoparticles on the surface of the Ag₃PO₄ particles. After calcination and wa-shing, Ag₃PO₄/AgBr hybrids were obtained. The AgBr shells prevented photocorrosion and improved the structural stability in water. Interestingly, the compositions, morphologies and optical absorption properties of the Ag₃PO₄/AgBr hybrids could be finely controlled by adjusting the NaBr content and grinding time. The photocatalytic activities of the as-prepared samples were investigated in terms of the degradation of rhodamine B(RhB) under visible light irradiation. The photocatalytic activities of the Ag₃PO₄/AgBr hybrids were much improved compared to those of of Ag₃PO₄ or AgBr individually. Under visible light irradiation for 1 h, the Ag₃PO₄/AgBr hybrids exhibited a 66.8%-76.8% increase in photocatalytic efficiency compared to pure Ag₃PO₄.