Synthesis of AgI/WS 2 hybrids as a novel photocatalyst with efficient degradation of rhodamine B

Full‐spectrum‐responsive AgI/WS 2 composites as an efficient photocatalyst have been synthesised by an in‐situ growth of AgI on the surfaces of WS 2 nanosheets. The photocatalytic activities of the samples were evaluated by degradation of rhodamine B dilute solution under visible light irradiation. Experimental results showed that the introduction of WS 2 nanosheets could enhance light absorption, photocatalytic activity, and recyclability of the pure AgI in the region of visible and infrared light. Moreover, the degradation efficiency of the as‐synthesised AgI/WS 2 composites exhibited the trend of first increased and then decreased with increasing the amount of WS 2 nanosheets. When the usage of WS 2 nanosheets was 7 wt%, the as‐prepared composites possessed the maximum of 91.2% in 30 min. Furthermore, after three cycles of degradation, it could still degrade 89.0% of rhodamine B, obviously higher than 11.4% of pure AgI. In addition, a possible degradation mechanism of the as‐synthesised AgI/WS 2 hybrids was provided.