Construction of all-solid-state Z-scheme 2D BiVO4/Ag/CdS composites with robust photoactivity and stability

A three-component BiVO₄/Ag/CdS Z-scheme photocatalyst was synthesized through a two-step in-situ deposition method. Ag nanoparticles obtained from photoreduction are distributed on the BiVO₄ (010) facets with a low LUMO level. CdS is gradually deposited onto BiVO₄/Ag composites by electrostatic self-assembly. The unique structural configuration with closely integrated triple points among BiVO₄, Ag, and CdS, facilitates the transfer of charge carriers, and thus improves the photocatalytic ability and stability. Based on the trapping test, the all-solid-state Z-scheme photocatalytic mechanism is proposed and further validated with photoelectrochemical measurements.