Preparation of Novel Photocatalyst Bi₁₂P_0.86O_20.14 and Surface Modification with Ag Nanoparticles for Enhanced Performance

Ag/Bi₁₂P_0.86O_20.14 composite photocatalyst was prepared by using a simple photochemical deposition route. The material was characterized by using XRD, XPS, TEM, HRTEM, etc., while its optoelectronic properties were analyzed with UV vis diffuse reflection testing, mott schottky testing, photocurrent testing, etc. Metallic Ag nanoparticles were loaded onto the surface of Bi₁₂P_0.86O_20.14 cubes, forming well-defined interfaces. Under visible light irradiation, the photocatalytic degradation performance of Ag/Bi₁₂P_0.86O_20.14 for Rhodamine B was much higher than that of Bi₁₂P_0.86O_20.14. The composite photocatalyst with 15 wt.% Ag showed the highest photocatalytic performance, with a degradation rate of 98.1% after irradiation for 75 min. The synergistic effect of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) of Ag and Bi₁₂P_0.86O_20.14 not only enhanced the electron supply in the conduction band of Bi₁₂P_0.86O_20.14 but also promoted the separation of hot electrons and holes in Ag nanoparticles. The local electromagnetic field generated by SPR effect also suppressed the recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes in Bi₁₂P_0.86O_20.14, improving the quantum efficiency of the composite.