Synthesis of Silver–Calcium Phosphate Visible Light Responsive Photocatalytic Materials and Their Antibacterial Properties

Photocatalytic materials use light energy to decompose harmful substances, antifouling, and deodorize. However, photocatalytic materials currently in practical use utilize ultraviolet light, and considering the ratio of ultraviolet light in sunlight and indoor specifications, there is a need for photocatalysts that can act with visible light. Silver phosphate is a photocatalytic material that works with visible light, but the silver ions make it expensive and difficult to put to practical use. This material is also expected to have antibacterial properties derived from silver ions. In this study, we prepared silver–calcium phosphate with a reduced amount of silver. The composition, photocatalytic activity, and antibacterial properties of the obtained samples were evaluated to examine the potential of the novel material.