Double Effect Electron Transfer System in the AgBr/ZnO Composite with Enhanced Photocatalytic Degradation Performance against 3‐Chlorophenol under Visible Light Irradiation

Visible light‐driven novel and highly efficient AgBr/ZnO photocatalysts were synthesized by a facile precipitation and dehydration methods. The synthesized samples were characterized using scanning electron microscope (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV‐Visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV‐Vis DRS), and photoluminescence (PL) techniques. Within various combinations of AgBr and ZnO components in the composites, 1AgBr/ZnO showed higher photocatalytic activity against 3‐chlorophenol (3‐CP). UV‐Vis DRS spectra showed that the absorbance of AgBr/ZnO was higher than pure ZnO in the visible light region. The PL results showed that efficient inhibition of the generated electron/hole pairs has occurred during the degradation process due to the formation of heterojunctions. The forming of metallic Ag0 by photogenerated electrons, which captures Ag+ ions, could act as an interfacial charge transmission bridge in the AgBr/ZnO composite. These results provided an important insight into the plasmonic Ag particles to obtain an efficient visible light‐driven photocatalyst. In addition, the possible mechanism of charge transfers and separation of electron/hole pairs were also evaluated in detail. AgBr/ZnO nano‐photocatalysts were prepared and then characterized for 3‐chlorophenol degradation. Also, kinetic studies were performed. Effect of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) was investigated during the photodecomposition process. The synergetic effect between AgBr and ZnO exhibited efficient degradation for toxic 3 chlorophenol. In addition, optimal content of AgBr in AgBr/ZnO system was changed some features of the composites.