Z-scheme Ag₃PO₄/Ag/SrTiO₃ Heterojunction for Visible-Light Induced Photothermal Synergistic VOCs Degradation with Enhanced Performance

Abstract

Z-scheme heterojunctions are an emerging kind of photocatalysts for environmental and energy applications due to their unique charges separation and transfer route as well as strong redox ability. Considering that the electron transport media used in Z-scheme, such as noble metal particles, are also potential thermal catalysts, herein, we propose the construction of Z-scheme photothermal synergistic catalysts and their applications in VOCs degradation. Z-scheme heterojunction Ag3PO4/Ag/SrTiO3 (or AgPO/Ag/STO) was constructed and showed remarkably strong visible light response and improved redox ability for oxidative species (•OH and •O2–) production in comparison with the single AgPO and STO. A cooperative effect between visible-light induced photocatalysis and thermocatalysis was proved in the degradation of VOCs over AgPO/Ag/STO, leading to an enhanced performance. Such a Z-scheme photothermocatalyst concept provides a new catalyst design route for future environmental application.