Self-assembled Ag4V2O7/Ag3VO4 Z-scheme heterojunction by pH adjustment with efficient photocatalytic performance

Abstract Semiconductor heterojunction plays a pivotal role in photocatalysis. However, the construction of with fine microstructure usually requires complex synthetic procedures. Herein, pH-adjusted one-step method was employed to controllably synthesize Ag 4 V 2 O 7 /Ag 3 VO well-tuned 0D/1D hierarchical structure for first time. It is noteworthy that ordered stacking vanadium oxide tetrahedron $$(\rm{VO}_3^-)$$ ( V O 3 − ) guided by pH value wisely realizes in-situ growth nanoparticles on surface nanorods. Furthermore, comprehensive characterization and calculation decipher electronic structures formation Z-scheme heterojunction, benefiting visible light harvesting carrier utilization. Such new exhibits remarkable photocatalytic activity excellent stability. Complete degradation Rhodamine B (RhB) can be achieved 10 min under irradiation, demonstrating an outstanding reaction rate 0.35 −1 up 84-fold higher than those other silver vanadates. More importantly, this integration synthesis technology design, based intrinsic crystal structures, could inspiring developing novel heterostructured materials advanced performance.