A Novel Heterojunction AgI/WO3 Nanocomposite with the Highly Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity

Herein, a novel visible-light-driven heterojunction AgI/WO3 nanocomposite was successfully prepared using a facile two-step hydrothermal-precipitation process and applied for photodegradation of organic pollutants. The information of phase structures, morphology, optical properties of the asprepared samples was analysed in detail by XRD, TEM, EDS, STEM, DRS measurement and so on. Formation of the heterostructure and intimate interactions between AgI and WO3 can promote highly effective photogenerated electron-hole pairs separation, which enable the heterojuctions to perform excellent photocatalytic activity as greatly enhanced photocatalysts compared to that of pristine AgI and WO3 for decomposing Rhodamine B (RhB) dye under visible light irradiation. In addition, the AgI/WO3 (1:1) nanocomposites exhibit optimal photocatalytic activity. Moreover, the as-prepared samples exhibit good stability, which is favorable for its potential application. Additionally, we have an analysis on a possible photocatalytic mechanism based on trapping experiments together with other experimental results.