Facile One-Step Sonochemical Synthesis and Photocatalytic Properties of Graphene/Ag3PO4 Quantum Dots Composites

Abstract In this study, a novel graphene/Ag3PO4 quantum dot (rGO/Ag3PO4 QD) composite was successfully synthesized via a facile one-step photo-ultrasonic-assisted reduction method for the first time. The composites were analyzed by various techniques. According to the obtained results, Ag3PO4 QDs with a size of 1–4 nm were uniformly dispersed on rGO nanosheets to form rGO/Ag3PO4 QD composites. The photocatalytic activity of rGO/Ag3PO4 QD composites was evaluated by the decomposition of methylene blue (MB). Meanwhile, effects of the surfactant dosage and the amount of rGO on the photocatalytic activity were also investigated. It was found that rGO/Ag3PO4 QDs (WrGO:Wcomposite = 2.3%) composite exhibited better photocatalytic activity and stability with degrading 97.5% of MB within 5 min. The improved photocatalytic activities and stabilities were majorly related to the synergistic effect between Ag3PO4 QDs and rGO with high specific surface area, which gave rise to efficient interfacial transfer of photogenerated electrons and holes on both materials. Moreover, possible formation and photocatalytic mechanisms of rGO/Ag3PO4 QDs were proposed. The obtained rGO/Ag3PO4 QDs photocatalysts would have great potentials in sewage treatment and water splitting

Additional file 1: of Facile One-Step Sonochemical Synthesis and Photocatalytic Properties of Graphene/Ag3PO4 Quantum Dots Composites

Figure S1. TEM images of rGO/Ag3PO4 QDs (stirring method). Figure S2. The plots of (ιhν)2 versus Eg of Ag3PO4 QDs, R-1.5, R-2, R-2.3, R-2.5, and R-3. Figure S3. (a) Photocatalyticdegradation of MB by R-2.3 prepared by different mass of surfactant and (b) apparent rate constants (k) of samples for photocatalytic degradation of MB. Figure S4. (a) Photocatalytic degradation of MB, MO, and RhB byR-2.3, (b) apparent rate constants (k) of sample for photocatalytic degradation of dyes. (ZIP 12230 kb