LAUSR

Abstract In this work, we have proposed a stable AgBr/Ag2CO3 composite as photocatalysts for the removal of organic pollutants via a facile single-pot hydrothermal method. The different AgBr/Ag2CO3 composites are synthesized with the addition of CTAB in the range from 0.5 to 2.5 mmol. The photocatalytic activity and photostability of the as-synthesized AgBr/Ag2CO3 composite are explored by the removal of Rhodamine B (RhB) under illumination of visible-light. The attained results reveal that AgBr/Ag2CO3 composites show a superior photocatalytic behavior than those of the single-phase AgBr and Ag2CO3. Among these composites, the AgBr/Ag2CO3 composite obtained with 1.5 mmol CTAB shows the highest photocatalytic activity with 100% removal efficiency of RhB within 25 min. More importantly, the recycling tests proved that the optimized AgBr/Ag2CO3 composite exhibit an excellent photo-stability under light illumination. This improved photocatalytic activity may benefit from the construction of heterojunction between the AgBr and Ag2CO3. This structure has a strong visible-light adsorption ability and effectively reduces the rejoining of photo-produced electron and hole pairs during charge transfer. The possible photo-degradation pathway and mechanism of the catalyst are also provided in detail. This work provides a promising approach for the synthesis of an efficient visible-light-driven photocatalyst for applied in environmental remediation.