Carbon quantum dots/Ag3PO4 complex photocatalysts with enhanced photocatalytic activity and stability under visible light

In this study, we report the facile fabrication of Ag3PO4, CQDs/Ag3PO4, Ag/Ag3PO4 and CQDs/Ag/Ag3PO4 photocatalysts (CQDs, carbon quantum dots). For CQDs/Ag3PO4 and CQDs/Ag/Ag3PO4, because of the insoluble, photoinduced electron transfer, upconversion luminescence and electron reservoir properties of CQDs, the complex photocatalysts exhibit enhanced photocatalytic activity and structural stability over the photodecomposition of organic compounds (methyl orange) under the irradiation of visible light. Furthermore, the synergistic effect of CQDs and the intense surface plasmon resonance of Ag lead to the highest photocatalytic activity of CQDs/Ag/Ag3PO4 among Ag3PO4 and the corresponding complex photocatalysts. Our results provide an invaluable methodology for designing high-performance photocatalysts based on CQDs and related functional materials, which is promising for catalytic and new energy applications.