Facile synthesis of Ag ₃ PO ₄ microcrystals and its enhanced photocatalytic disinfection

Abstract

Facile synthesis of silver phosphate (Ag 3 PO 4) microcrystals was developed for the novel application in the disinfection of pathogens with visible light. Ag 3 PO 4 microcrystals from different synthesis routes were produced and characterised by scanning electron microscopy and UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The antibacterial activity of the Ag 3 PO 4 microcrystals was also evaluated for its effectiveness in eradicating pathogens (Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus) under white-light light-emitting-diode irradiation. The prepared Ag 3 PO 4 microcrystals displayed higher and more stable photocatalytic antibacterial activity (>99% eradication rate within 10 min) comparing to Ag + ions used only. This can be attributed to the oxidation of the photogenerated hole and the adsorption of Ag + ions. This study demonstrated the strong photocatalytic activity of the as-prepared Ag 3 PO 4 microcrystals, promising for industrial applications related to the eradication of pathogens from wastewater.