One step pyridine-assisted synthesis of visible-light-driven photocatalyst Ag/AgVO3

Ag/AgVO 3 nanorods have been obtained for the first time by one step hydrothermal method with the contribution of pyridine. The prepared sample was systematically characterized. Their photocatalytic properties were investigated by degrading acid orange II (AO-II) under visible light. Compared with pure AgVO 3 , Ag/AgVO 3 nanorods showed much higher photocatalytic activity and stability. The enhanced photocatalytic activity was attributed to Ag nanoparticles (NPs) with a strong surface plasmon resonance (SPR). Further studies indicate that the photogenerated holes (h + ) and superoxide radical anions ( O 2 − ) were major active species. Ag/AgVO 3 nanorods has a huge potential application in wastewater treatment.