In Situ Ion Exchange Synthesis of Ag2S/AgVO3 Graphene Aerogels for Enhancing Photocatalytic Antifouling Efficiency

Efficient charge separation and cycle stability are critical for water purification by semiconductor photocatalyst. Herein, novel Ag 2 S/AgVO 3 graphene aerogels (Ag 2 S/AgVO 3 @GAs) were synthesized via an in situ ion exchange method. The series of characterization results verified that the Ag 2 S/AgVO 3 @GAs synergistically integrate the excellent properties of the Ag 2 S and AgVO 3 into the macroscopic porous graphene aerogel. Furthermore, owing to the chelation of chitosan (CS) for AgVO 3 and the ion exchange between well-dispersed AgVO 3 and Na 2 S, the Ag 2 S can in situ grow on AgVO 3, which prevents Ag 2 S and AgVO 3 agglomeration/shedding in the photocatalytic reaction and contributes to the enhanced photocatalytic activity and cyclic stability. Benefiting from the unique structure, the Ag 2 S/AgVO 3 @GAs with excellent stability displayed the outstanding photodegradation efficiency for methyl orange (97% removal rate in 40 min) and disinfection activity for Escherichia coli (100% antibacterial efficiency in 36 min).