Interface matters: Design of an efficient α-Ag2WO4/Ag3PO4 photocatalyst

Heterojunction engineering of complex metal oxides is an active area research that addresses fundamental questions in solid-state systems with broad technological applications. In this work, α-Ag2WO4/Ag3PO4 heterojunctions different amounts α-Ag2WO4 (12, 24, and 36 wt%) were synthesized by the coprecipitation method characterized X-ray diffraction, photoelectron spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission UV–vis diffuse reflectance photoluminescence. The heterojunction containing 24% wt showed most enhanced photocatalytic activity for degradation Rhodamine B, being much higher than Ag3PO4 α-Ag2WO4. Trapping experiments revealed holes superoxide radical, minor extent, main species degradation. Such performance was explained surface plasmon resonance effect associated presence metallic Ag at interface formation a type I between semiconductors.