Synthesis, Characterization and Photocatalytic Performance of Novel Composite Ag/ BiVO4 Photocatalysts

The novel visible-light-driven Ag/BiVO4 composite photocatalysts were successfully prepared by photo-deposition method. The as-prepared Ag/BiVO4 samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS). The photocatalytic activities of the Ag/BiVO4 powders were determined by degradation of methyl orange molecules in water under visible light irradiation (λ>400nm). The photocatalytic experiments indicated that the composite samples enhanced photo-activity under visible light irradiation.