Synthesis of BiOCl-Ag/AgBr heterojunction and its photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic performance

In this research, a series of BiOCl-Ag/AgBrx (BAAx) heterojunctions with surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect of metallic Ag were synthesized by a facile one-pot solvothermal method. For the superior photosensitive effect of AgBr co-catalyst, all BAAx samples exhibited much enhanced response to visible light. For the formation of BiOCl-AgBr heterojunction and existence of metallic Ag plasma, the BAAx photocatalysts exhibited very superior interfacial charge migration, and the recombination of photoexcited electron-hole pairs could be effectively controlled. Research showed that the BAA0.04 heterojunction exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation, and various pollutants in water system could be decomposed effectively. Furthermore, the BAA0.04 heterojunction possessed very robust photostability, its crystal structure and photocatalytic activity almost remained unchanged after being used several times. A BiOCl-Ag/AgBr0.04 heterojunction with superior photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic performance. [Display omitted] •A BAA0.04 heterojunction with enhanced photocatalytic activity was synthesized.•This photocatalyst exhibits fast interfacial charge migration.•SPR effect of metallic Ag existed in this heterojunction.•The recombination of the photoexcited e- and h+ pairs could be inhibited effectively.•This heterojunction possesses superstrong adsorption ability to targeted pollution.