Hierarchical Ag/Ag2S/CuS Ternary Heterostructure Composite as an Efficient Visible-Light Photocatalyst

A hierarchical Ag/Ag2S/CuS ternary heterostructure composite has been obtained through cation exchange between as-prepared CuS nanoflowers and AgNO3 (synthesized under solvothermal conditions) and subsequent insitu UV-light reduction. The prepared CuS nanoflowers not only provide reactive sites for insitu ion exchange with Ag+ but also perform as clapboards to prevent the excess aggregation of Ag2S nanoparticles. After exposure to UV light, a uniform Ag/Ag2S/CuS ternary heterostructure composite was obtained. In the composite, both Ag and Ag2S are grown on the surface of CuS nanoflowers. The prepared ternary heterostructure composite exhibited a significant ability for the elimination of some hazardous pollutants under visible-light irradiation, which is much higher than that of either CuS or Ag2S/CuS. Moreover, the resultant ternary composite possesses excellent stability.