Integrating the Z-scheme heterojunction into a novel AgO@rGO@reduced TiO photocatalyst: Broadened light absorption and accelerated charge separation co-mediated highly efficient UV/visible/NIR light photocatalysis.

A photocatalyst with good electron-transfer property and wide spectrum response is of great interest. Herein, visible/NIR-light-driven AgO nanoparticles (NPs) and UV/visible-responsive reduced TiO nanosheets (TiO NSs) anchored onto reduced graphene oxide (rGO) forming AgO@rGO@TiO composites are synthesized in this study. The as-synthesized AgO@rGO@TiO composites exhibit a superior full solar spectrum (UV, visible and NIR) response, showing their potential for effective use of solar energy. Compared to single component (TiO NSs and AgO NPs) or binary composites (AgO@TiO), AgO@rGO@TiO ternary composite has exhibited improved photocatalytic activity under UV, visible, NIR and nature sunlight irradiation and excellent photostability. The outstanding photocatalytic performance of AgO@rGO@TiO composites depends on three sides: firstly, synergistic effect among the reduced TiO, AgO, and rGO improves the wide spectrum response ability; Secondly, AgO@rGO@TiO builds a Z-scheme structure, which promotes the separation of electron/hole pairs and retains prominent redox ability; Thirdly, the electrons of AgO are transferred to rGO to suppress the photo-corrosion of AgO during the photocatalytic process and the stability of AgO@rGO@TiO composite has been enhanced greatly.