Abstract
A carbon quantum dot (CQDs)/Ag(3)PO(4)/BiPO(4) heterostructure photocatalyst was constructed by a simple hydrothermal synthesis method. The as-prepared CQDs/Ag(3)PO(4)/BiPO(4) photocatalyst has been characterized in detail by X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, and photoelectrochemical measurements. It is demonstrated that the CQDs/Ag(3)PO(4)/BiPO(4) composite is constructed by assembling Ag(3)PO(4) fine particles and CQDs on the surface of rice-like BiPO(4) granules. The CQDs/Ag(3)PO(4)/BiPO(4) heterostructure photocatalyst exhibits a higher photocatalytic activity for the degradation of the rhodamine B dye than that of Ag(3)PO(4), BiPO(4), and Ag(3)PO(4)/BiPO(4). The synergistic effects of light absorption capacity, band edge position, separation, and utilization efficiency of photogenerated carriers play the key role for the enhanced photodegradation of the rhodamine B dye.