Graphene quantum dots modified Ag3PO4 for facile synthesis and the enhanced photocatalytic performance

ABSTRACTThe graphene quantum dots (GQDs) with outstanding electron conductivity and good optical properties modified Ag3PO4 composites were prepared by a simple two-step method. Compared to pure Ag3PO4, the GQDs/Ag3PO4 composites exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activities for degradation Rhodamine B (RhB) and 4-Chlorophenol (4-CP) under the visible-light irradiation. More interestingly, the stabilities of Ag3PO4 were also been improved after introducing GQDs. The possible reaction mechanism was proposed by discussing comprehensive characterizations, which indicated that the GQDs can work as electron acceptors to enhance separation efficiency of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. The structure-activity relationships have been studied in detail. The active species was determined and photocatalytic mechanism was proposed.