In situ phase transformation synthesis of unique Janus Ag₂O/Ag₂CO₃ heterojunction photocatalyst with improved photocatalytic properties

Herein, Ag2O/Ag2CO3 nanocomposite with unique Janus morphology was synthesized by a facile ionexchangefollowed by an in situ phase transformation method with precise control of its nucleationand growth processes. Contrary to conventional synthetic procedures of Janus architectures, the presentJanus system was constructed without the need for surfactants or toxic chemicals. Most importantly, thevisible-light-absorbing Janus Ag2O/Ag2CO3 nanocomposite exhibits a remarkable performance towardthe degradation of Rhodamine B and 4-chlorophenol, far superior to that observed for bare Ag2CO3.The obvious enhancement of the photocatalytic performance of this nanocomposite is mainly attributedto the intimate Ag2O/Ag2CO3 interface created by its exceptional Janus architecture, which in turn allowsfor rapid charge transfer processes. Additionally, the Janus system exhibited a high photostability duringrecycling experiments with no significant change in the degradation activity.