Towards the Enhancement in Photocatalytic Performance of Ag3PO4 Nanoparticles through Sulfate Doping and Anchoring on Electrospun Nanofibers

Abstract

Present work reports the enhancement in photocatalytic performance of Ag3PO4 nanoparticles through sulfate doping and anchoring on Polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-electrospun nanofibers (SO42−-Ag3PO4/PAN-electrospun nanofibers) via electrospinning followed by ion-exchange reaction. Morphology, structure, chemical composition, and optical properties of the prepared sample were characterized using XRD, FESEM, FTIR, XPS, and DRS. The anchoring of SO42−-Ag3PO4 nanoparticles on the surface of PAN-electrospun nanofibers was evidenced by the change in color of the PAN nanofibers mat from white to yellow after ion-exchange reaction. FESEM analysis revealed the existence of numerous SO42−-Ag3PO4 nanoparticles on the surface of PAN nanofibers. Photocatalytic activity and stability of the prepared sample was tested for the degradation of Methylene blue (MB) and Rhodamine B (RhB) dyes under visible light irradiation for three continuous cycles. Experimental results showed enhanced photodegradation activity of SO42−-Ag3PO4/PAN-electrospun nanofibers compared to that of sulfate undoped sample (Ag3PO4/PAN-electrospun nanofibers). Doping of SO42− into Ag3PO4 crystal lattice could increase the photogenerated electron–hole separation capability, and PAN nanofibers served as support for nanoparticles to prevent from agglomeration.