Novel AgClxBr1−x solid solutions photocatalyst with enhanced photocatalytic activity for reduction of Cr6+ and oxidation of Bisphenol A under simulated sunlight

Abstract Novel AgClxBr1−x solid solutions were synthesized through a simple low-temperature hydrothermal approach, avoiding the high-temperature agglomeration of nanoparticles. The AgClxBr1−x solid solutions are homogeneous crystal structures rather than common heterojunction materials. The AgClxBr1−x are provided with tunable bandgaps from 2.99 eV to 2.49 eV by improving the Br/Cl mol ratios. The AgCl0.3Br0.7 sample exhibits the most efficient catalytic activities for the reduction of Cr6+ and oxidation of Bisphenol A (BPA) under simulated sunlight irradiation, and the apparent quantum efficiency (QE) for the removal of Cr6+ can achieve 42.8%, which is 10.7 time higher than that of the AgCl (QE = 4.0%) sample. As for the catalytic oxidation of BPA, 66.8% of TOC is removed from the reaction system after 100 min reaction. The highest efficiency of the AgCl0.3Br0.7 sample can be rationally ascribed to the comprehensive factors, especially the narrowed bandgap, enhanced surface areas, and suppressed the photo-generated carriers’ recombination.