A Strategy to Develop Efficient Ag₃PO₄‐based Photocatalytic Materials Toward Water Splitting: Perspectives and Challenges

Abstract

The escalating demands for energy sources and cumulative global environmental apprehensions have synergistically contributed to advancements in solar-driven technologies to utilize renewable energy resources. Photocatalytic water splitting, which is considered the most promising and sustainable process to harness solar energy for H 2 and O 2 evolution, is of particular interest. The photocatalytic performance of Ag 3 PO 4 is attributed to its visible-light active 2.43 eV band gap energy, tunable facet crystal structure, and high thermal stability. The suitable valence band (+ 2.85 V) potential of Ag 3 PO 4 is suggestive of its extraordinary oxidation capability. Herein, recent advances in preparation, characterization, and photocatalytic activity of silver orthophosphate (Ag 3 PO 4 ) based photocatalytic materials for water splitting are reviewed. The well-suited synthesis methods and rational engineering aspects for eliminating the significant limitations of self-photocorrosion and minimum absorption in the solar spectrum are highlighted. The achievement of Ag 3 PO 4 -based photocatalytic materials in water splitting is elaborately discussed, with the main focus on heterostructure formation, facet morphology, and plasmonic phenomena. Besides, some vital accomplishments in bandgap modulation and attaining the required surface energy to achieve an attractive yield of H 2 and O 2 in the region of visiblelight are also presented. Finally, a conclusive summary outlines this all-inclusive review with appropriate recommendations for photocatalytic water splitting to meeting a green approach shortly. We expect this comprehensive study could provide a guideline to tailor more efficient Ag 3 PO 4 -based photocatalytic materials with broad research prospects toward water splitting and other sustainable applications.

Synthesis of Nano CdZnS/SnS2/SnO2 Heterojunction for Photocatalytic Degradation of Rhodamine B

“…Therefore, semiconductorbased photocatalysis, as an efficient and green approach, has attracted wide attention in promoting environmental development and renewable energy. [7,8] In addition, the technology produces non-toxic by-products in the photocatalytic process.…”

Enhanced Solar‐Photo(Electro)catalysis of Microwave‐Hydrothermal Synthesized BiVO4, ms‐BiVO4/Reduced Graphene Oxide/Ag3PO4 Nanohybrid: Crystalline Phase‐Dependent Interfacial Charge Carrier Dynamics

“…[ 4 ] Similarly, Raman spectra confirm pure cubic phase of Ag 3 PO 4 (AP) material with its respective wavelength shifts at ν 1 =909 cm −1 , δ 2 = 551 cm −1 , and δ 1 = 411 cm −1 and 249 cm −1 (Figure 1e). [ 28,29 ] B‐4 curve has not shown any tz ‐BiVO 4 phase Raman shift in case of ms‐ BiVO 4 /Ag 3 PO 4 that signifies the phase purity of composite. Raman spectrum of B‐5 to B‐10 represented the mixed‐phase BiVO 4 composite with cubic Ag 3 PO 4 material, as shown in Figure S1d, Supporting Information.…”

“…Nevertheless, the appearance of bands at ≈325, ≈367, and ≈826 cm −1 attributes to ms ‐BiVO 4 for sample G‐B2 (inset of Figure 1h) the cubic Ag 3 PO 4 characteristics. [ 29 ] In general, GO has plenty of oxygen species, i.e., hydroxyl, carboxyl, etc. on its surface and on coupling with the Bi 3+ ions, and these highly active oxygen species form seeds on the GO surface by following the Equation (6).…”

“…[4] Similarly, Raman spectra confirm pure cubic phase of Ag 3 PO 4 (AP) material with its respective wavelength shifts at ν 1 =909 cm À1 , δ 2 = 551 cm À1 , and δ 1 = 411 cm À1 and 249 cm À1 (Figure 1e). [28,29] Accordingly, Raman stretching frequencies are directly associated with the distortion in metal-oxygen bond length and bond strength with the local crystalline phase. [30] We observed that the Raman band positions are very profound in the short-range order.…”

Visible-Light-Active Black TiO2 Nanoparticles with Efficient Photocatalytic Performance for Degradation of Pharmaceuticals

“…Photocatalysis is becoming more and more attractive in industrial water decontamination [ 1 , 2 ]. The challenges are primarily related to the low efficiency of photocatalysts under the visible solar spectrum, the short lifetime of electrons and holes due to their recombination, and the short lifespan of the photocatalyst [ 3 ].…”