A novel Ag@AgCl/Ag nanofilm/ZIF-8 photocatalyst was prepared.
The Ag@AgCl/Ag nanofilm/ZIF-8 displays superior photocatalytic activity.
Ag nanofilm was harnessed as an electrons transfer mediator for first time.
The photocatalytic reaction mechanism of Ag@AgCl/Ag nanofilm/ZIF-8 was proposed.