Novel Ag2CrO4/Bi2O2CO3 heterojunction: Simple preparation, wide visible-light absorption band and excellent photocatalytic activity

In this study, Ag2CrO4/Bi2O2CO3 composites were synthesized through a simple chemical precipitation process. XRD, SEM, TEM and XPS characterization suggested that the close heterojunction successfully formed between Ag2CrO4 and Bi2O2CO3. Diffuse Reflectance Spectra (DRS) experiments suggested that Ag2CrO4/Bi2O2CO3 composites had a wide light absorption band throughout the whole visible light region. The photoluminescence spectra (PL) implied that the formation of the heterojunction notably suppressed the recombination of photo-generated electron-hole. The excellent photocatalytic activity of Ag2CrO4/Bi2O2CO3 heterojunction for the degradation of RhB, MO and MB should be ascribed to both the wide visible-light absorption and the efficient separation of photo-generated electron-hole. In addition, the possible mechanism for the enhanced photo-catalytic activity was also proposed.