Uniform hierarchical Ag3PO4 porous microcubes were for the first time synthesized by a one-step reaction at room temperature with the help of the trisodium citrate (Na3Cit). The phase, microstructure, morphology, and textural properties of the Ag3PO4 porous microcubes were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). Na3Cit played important roles as the structure directing agent, crystal growth modifier and aggregation-orienting agent for the formation of this unique Ag3PO4 microstructure. Ostwald ripening and the self-assembly process were proposed for the possible evolution mechanism based on time-dependent experiments. Importantly, the obtained Ag3PO4 porous microcubes exhibited remarkable enhanced visible-light photocatalytic degradations of an aqueous solution of rhodamine B (RhB), far exceeding that of solid Ag3PO4 sample and commercial P25 powders. The results presented here also provide new insights into porous hierarchical materials as high-performance visible-light photocatalysts and their potential use in environmental protection.

Graphene oxide (GO)–Ag3PO4 nanocomposites synthesized through a facile solution approach via electrostatic interaction were investigated as excellent photocatalysts for the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) under visible light irradiation. SEM and TEM observations indicate that Ag3PO4 nanospheres of ∼120 nm in diameter were well dispersed and anchored onto the exfoliated GO sheets. The characterizations of FTIR and Raman demonstrated the existence of strong charge interactions between GO sheets and Ag3PO4 nanospheres. As compared to Ag3PO4 nanospheres alone, the attachments of GO sheets led to a band gap narrowing (2.10 eV) and a strong absorbance in the near infrared region (NIR). The photoluminescence (PL) analysis indicates a more efficient separation of electron–hole pairs in the GO–Ag3PO4 nanocomposites. Notably, the incorporation of GO sheets not only significantly enhances the photocatalytic activity but also improves the structural stability of Ag3PO4. The positive synergistic effects between Ag3PO4 nanospheres and GO sheets are proposed to contribute to the improved photocatalytic properties. A possible photocatalytic mechanism of the GO–Ag3PO4 nanocomposites was assumed as well. The integration of these advantages enables such GO–Ag3PO4 hybrid material to be a nice photocatalyst for broad applications in a sewage treatment system.

Uniform square-like BaFBr:Eu2+ microplates were successfully fabricated via a simple water/oil emulsion method. Various characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Raman spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Transition electron microscopy (TEM) were employed to examine the phase, size, morphology, and structure of the products. It was found that the morphology and size of products were strongly dependent on the reaction parameters, such as the ratio of reactants, the reaction time and the reaction temperature. The length and thickness of these square-like BaFBr:Eu2+ microplates can be tuned by adjusting the reaction time and temperature. Well-dispersed cuboctahedron and corner cut cuboid-like BaFBr:Eu2+ particles were produced when the reaction temperature was increased above 60 °C. A possible formation mechanism of the products was discussed based on the time and temperature-dependent experimental results. The optical properties were characterized by photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy as well as kinetic decay. Eu2+-doped dependent luminescent intensity was investigated in detail. The prepared BaFBr:Eu2+ phosphors are considered promising materials for fluorescent applications.

Graphene oxide (GO)–Ag3PO4 nanocomposites synthesized through a facile solution approach via electrostatic interaction were investigated as excellent photocatalysts for the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) under visible light irradiation. SEM and TEM observations indicate that Ag3PO4 nanospheres of ∼120 nm in diameter were well dispersed and anchored onto the exfoliated GO sheets. The characterizations of FTIR and Raman demonstrated the existence of strong charge interactions between GO sheets and Ag3PO4 nanospheres. As compared to Ag3PO4 nanospheres alone, the attachments of GO sheets led to a band gap narrowing (2.10 eV) and a strong absorbance in the near infrared region (NIR). The photoluminescence (PL) analysis indicates a more efficient separation of electron–hole pairs in the GO–Ag3PO4 nanocomposites. Notably, the incorporation of GO sheets not only significantly enhances the photocatalytic activity but also improves the structural stability of Ag3PO4. The positive synergistic effects between Ag3PO4 nanospheres and GO sheets are proposed to contribute to the improved photocatalytic properties. A possible photocatalytic mechanism of the GO–Ag3PO4 nanocomposites was assumed as well. The integration of these advantages enables such GO–Ag3PO4 hybrid material to be a nice photocatalyst for broad applications in a sewage treatment system.