Facile One-Step Sonochemical Synthesis and Photocatalytic Properties of Graphene/Ag(3)PO(4) Quantum Dots Composites

In this study, a novel graphene/Ag(3)PO(4) quantum dot (rGO/Ag(3)PO(4) QD) composite was successfully synthesized via a facile one-step photo-ultrasonic-assisted reduction method for the first time. The composites were analyzed by various techniques. According to the obtained results, Ag(3)PO(4) QDs with a size of 1–4 nm were uniformly dispersed on rGO nanosheets to form rGO/Ag(3)PO(4) QD composites. The photocatalytic activity of rGO/Ag(3)PO(4) QD composites was evaluated by the decomposition of methylene blue (MB). Meanwhile, effects of the surfactant dosage and the amount of rGO on the photocatalytic activity were also investigated. It was found that rGO/Ag(3)PO(4) QDs (W(rGO):W(composite) = 2.3%) composite exhibited better photocatalytic activity and stability with degrading 97.5% of MB within 5 min. The improved photocatalytic activities and stabilities were majorly related to the synergistic effect between Ag(3)PO(4) QDs and rGO with high specific surface area, which gave rise to efficient interfacial transfer of photogenerated electrons and holes on both materials. Moreover, possible formation and photocatalytic mechanisms of rGO/Ag(3)PO(4) QDs were proposed. The obtained rGO/Ag(3)PO(4) QDs photocatalysts would have great potentials in sewage treatment and water splitting. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1186/s11671-018-2466-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.