In-situ reduction and deposition of Ag nanoparticles on black phosphorus nanosheets co-loaded with graphene oxide as a broad spectrum photocatalyst for enhanced photocatalytic performance

Highlights: • Ag-BPNS/GO was successfully synthesized for the first time. • BPNS reduced Ag precursor and Ag atoms were deposited on its surface. • Ag-BPNS/GO showed excellent activity in methylene blue degradation. • Broad spectrum response and high dispersion contributed the excellent activity. A novel ternary nanohybrid comprising Ag nanoparticles anchored on black phosphorus nanosheets (BPNS) supported on the surface of graphene oxide (GO) has been synthesized for the first time. UV–Vis spectra and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results revealed that BPNS with highly active P atoms on its surface served as a strong reductant to reduce Ag precursor and the emerging Ag atoms were consequently deposited on its surface. The Ag-BPNS/GO nanohybrid showed excellent photocatalytic activity towards the degradation of methylene blue under solar light irradiation. Broad spectrum response of BPNS, effective trapping of the electrons of Ag nanoparticles and high stability of Ag-BPNS on GO surface contributed the enhanced photocatalytic performance. A plausible mechanism has been proposed to explain the enhanced photocatalytic performance of the Ag-BPNS/GO nanohybrid.