Nano-sized aggregate TiC-TiO supported on the surface of AgNCN as a Z-scheme catalyst with enhanced visible light photocatalytic performance.

Exposing the photocatalyst's highly active facets and hybridizing the photocatalyst with suitable cocatalysts in the proper spot have been recognized as strong methods for high-performance photocatalysts. Herein, AgNCN/TiO-TiC composites were synthesized by applying simple calcination and physically weak interaction deposition processes to obtain an excellent photocatalyst for Rhodamine B (Rh B) degradation when exposed to visible light. The findings from the experiments reveal that the AgNCN/TiO-TiC400 composite exhibited an outstanding photocatalytic rate in 80 min, with the highest Rh B degradation rate ( = 0.03889 min), which was 16 times higher than that of pure AgNCN ( = 0.00235 min) and 2.2 times higher than that of TiO-TiC400 ( = 0.01761 min). The results from the following factors: (i) the powerful interfacial contact created by the formation of TiO, and the superior electrical conductivity of TiC that makes carrier separation possible; (ii) TiO with electron-rich (101) facets are deposited on the surface of AgNCN, significantly reducing charge carrier recombination by trapping photoelectrons; (iii) a Z-type heterojunction is constructed between nanosize aggregate TiC-TiO and AgNCN with non-metal TiC as the solid medium, improving the transfer and separation of photogenerated charges and inhibiting the recombination of electrons and holes. Additionally, the redox ability of the composite photocatalyst is enhanced. Furthermore, the analyses of active species showed that photogenerated superoxide radicals and holes were the principal active agents inside the photodegradation of Rh B. Moreover, the composite exhibited outstanding photo-stability.