Visible light photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI) on Ag3PO4 nanoparticles

Ag3PO4nanoparticles of ∼300 nm were synthesized by an ion-exchange reaction between AgNO3and (NH4)2HPO4at ambient condition. X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy were employed to investigate the phase structure, morphology, and optical property of the Ag3PO4nanoparticles. Nearly 80% of Cr(VI) ions was removed after visible-light irradiation in Ag3PO4suspension, the excellent photocatalytic reduction performance due to the high separation efficiency of electron and hole pairs. In addition, the possible photoreduction mechanism of Cr(VI) in Ag3PO4suspension was discussed. The system of Ag3PO4may provide an alternative way for the efficient removal of Cr(VI) under visible-light irradiation. © 2013 Balaban Desalination Publications.