Synthesis of BiVO₄-g-C₃N₄ composite photocatalyst with improved visible light-induced photocatalytic activity

Abstract

The novel visible light-induced carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) and BiVO₄ composite photocatalysts were obtained through a simple mixing-calcination method. The physical and photophysical properties of the BiVO₄-g-C₃N₄ composites were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, UV-vis diffuse reflection spectroscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), photoluminescent (PL) spectroscopy, and BET surface area measurements. Photocatalytic oxidation ability of the prepared samples was examined by studying the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) as a target pollutant under visible-light irradiation. The composite photocatalysts exhibited an enhanced photocatalytic performance in degrading RhB. The optimal g-C₃N₄ content of the composite photocatalysts was determined for the photodegradation activity. The improved photocatalytic activity of the as-prepared composite photocatalyst may be attributed to the enhancement of photo-generated electron-hole separation at the interface.

Keywords

BiVO₄ / g-C₃N₄ / composite / photocatalytic activity

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