AgO@InGaZnO4 composites for environmental photocatalysis

We reported AgO@InGaZnO4 as a novel photocatalyst for environmental photocatalysis. X-ray diffraction, Raman spectrum, fluorescence spectroscopy, fourier infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, X-ray photoelectrons spectroscopy, and electrochemical tests were utilized to identify the composition, chemical valence states, morphology, and photocatalytic potential of AgO@InGaZnO4. In the experiments of photo-reduction Cr(VI) ion and photodegradation Rhodamine B (RhB) reactions, the kinetic constants of AgO@InGaZnO4 samples are 1.7 and 7.1 times of the parent, respectively. The analysis of photocatalytic mechanism indicates that AgO acts as an electron trap to promote photogenerated charge separation and enhance photocatalytic performance. Moreover, AgO also plays an important role in the adsorption of the catalyzed substrate in the composite.