Extended construction strategies of Ag3PO4-based heterojunction photocatalysts for robust environmental applications

The utilization of solar-driven photocatalysis presents a highly promising approach to tackle the urgent challenges posed by environmental pollution and energy scarcity. Compared to some conventional photocatalysts, silver phosphate (Ag3PO4)-based hybrid photocatalysts have garnered significant attention due to their exceptional attributes, including a high oxidation capacity, superior quantum conversion efficiency, and wide optical bandgap. Till now, Ag3PO4-based photocatalysts have been energetically for the efficient degradation of various pollutants and biomedical materials, encompassing phenol and its derivatives, humic acids, organic dyes, pharmaceuticals, among others. Herein, we present a concise overview of the fundamentals and current development of nano-micro Ag3PO4-based photocatalysts, including preparation methods (precipitation method, hydrothermal method, crystallographic plane modulation, microwave radiation and colloidal method), construction of heterojunction structures, and their applications in decomposition of organic pollutants, antibiotics, pesticides/insecticides, antimicrobial agents, as well as catalytic gas reforming, hydrogen/oxygen production, and some other environmental and biomedical purposes. The current challenges in photocorrosion behavior of Ag3PO4 are discussed in depth. Furthermore, we also provide potential solutions of enhancing the separation of photogenerated charges and electrons by constructing specialized structures, such as Z-scheme heterojunction, built-in electric field, Type-II, S-scheme and plasma heterojunctions. This review offers a comprehensive overview of recent advancements and challenges in the development of nano-micro Ag3PO4 photocatalysts, which will have a great impact on the fields of energy, environment and health care.