Synthesis of visible-light-driven ZIF-67/Ag-AgVO3 heterostructures with enhanced synergistic photocatalytic degradation mechanism

The utilization of solar energy through semiconductor-based photocatalysis has gained significant attention. This approach enables the breakdown of different pollutants efficiently. Nonetheless, the effectiveness of photocatalytic reactions is limited by the rapid recombination of electron-hole pairs and the inefficient utilization of light. Consequently, extensive endeavors have been dedicated to resolving these issues by developing well-engineered photocatalytic heterojunctions to enhance photocatalytic activity by separating the photogenerated charge carriers. Herein, heterojunction composites of Co-zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-67) grafted onto Ag-AgVO3 nanoribbons (ZIF-67/Ag-AgVO3) have been constructed using hydrothermal/solvothermal routes. The phase purity, morphological, and optical characteristics of the ZIF-67/Ag-AgVO3 photocatalysts were described by XRD, XPS, FESEM, EDS, TEM, DRS PL and BET surface area procedures. The ZIF-67/Ag-AgVO3 photocatalysts exhibited enhanced photocatalytic degradation performance for Congo red dye (CR). During the visible-light photocatalysis, the degradation rate of CR can achieve 94.4% in 120 min, outperforming that of ZIF-67, AgVO3, Ag-AgVO3, and ZIF-67/AgVO3 samples. Also, the excellent photostability of the ZIF-67/Ag-AgVO3 has been achieved, which is verified by recycling experiments. A plasmonic Z-type mechanism was considered to be behind the boosted photodegradation behavior of the synthesized ZIF-67/Ag-AgVO3 photocatalyst.