Synthesis, Characterization, and Photocatalytic Application of Ag/AgBr/BiOBr: Toward the Synthesis of Unsymmetrical Thiourea Derivatives

Abstract Regarding the significant role of BiOX in the photocatalytic realm as well as the high potential of Ag as a noble metal with a plasmonic effect, this work presents an appreciable and efficient approach for the synthesis of flower‐like Ag/AgBr/BiOBr. To this end, the coprecipitation method using polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a directing agent was applied, and a successful result was achieved. The resulting material was thoroughly characterized, revealing favorable physical and optical properties. The photocatalytic activity of the synthesized material was assessed in the synthesis of unsymmetrical thiourea under visible light irradiation. In this line, flower‐like Ag/AgBr/BiOBr could deliver the desired products in moderate to high yields (26%–93%), steaming from the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect for photogenerated carriers of silver (Ag). Notably, the catalyst retained its activity over five cycles with negligible loss in yield.