Synthesis of Ag9(SiO4)2NO3 through a reactive flux method and its visible-light photocatalytic performances

Ag9(SiO4)2NO3 was prepared by a reactive flux method. The structures, morphologies, and light absorption properties were investigated. Owing to the polar crystal structure, an internal electric field can be formed inside the material, which can facilitate the photogenerated charge separation during the photocatalytic process. Based on both the wide light absorption spectra and high charge separation efficiency originated from the polarized internal electric field, Ag9(SiO4)2NO3 exhibit higher efficiency over Ag3PO4 during the degradation of organic dyes under visible light irradiation, which is expected to be a potential material for solar energy harvest and conversion.