Controlled synthesis of peony-shaped photocatalyst grains of Ag3PO4/Zn3(PO4)2 by coprecipitation and recrystallization technology

Peony-shaped grains of a Ag3PO4/Zn3(PO4)2 composite have been synthesized at room temperature through coprecipitation and recrystallization technology with the coexistence of Zn2+ and Ag+ in a aqueous solution. The simultaneous presence of high-concentration Ac− ions plays a key role in the initial formation of flower-shaped grains of Zn3(PO4)2 being the large-area host of this composite. Compared with pure Ag3PO4 crystals, the obtained composite exhibits enhanced visible-light-driven photocatalytic activity and stability for decomposition of Rhodamine B in aqueous solution. This is attributed to effective hole–electron pair transport and optimal Ag3PO4 dispersion achieved by confining Ag3PO4 to the as-prepared Zn3(PO4)2 framework.