Advances in designing Ag-based ternary photocatalysts for energy and environmental remediation applications

Abstract The development of visible-light-driven photocatalysts is a promising strategy to address the problems associated with environmental pollution and energy shortage. But, above-said applications should require photocatalysts with a broad absorption in the solar spectrum, high stability, lower electron–hole recombination rate and strong redox power. Specifically, Ag-based ternary composite photocatalysts are exposed to be able to exhibit higher photocatalytic activity due to their strong localized surface plasmon resonance and efficient charge separation along their interfaces. Therefore, the basic principles behind the synthesis and characterization of Ag-based ternary nanocomposites toward the development of efficient photocatalysts for various pollutant degradation and solar-to-fuel conversion reactions are highlighted. Accordingly, this review provides a brief overview of Ag-based ternary photocatalysts with their fabrication comprising their composition and optimization toward higher photogenerated electron–hole charge separation.