Photocatalytic reduction of 4-nitroaniline in aqueous solution using BiOCl/BiOBr/rGO ternary heterojunction under simulated UV–visible light irradiation

Abstract

BiOCl/BiOBr/rGO ternary heterojunctions were synthesized and characterized, and their photocatalytic activities were examined. Three different rGO mass ratios were incorporated into BiOCl 75% BiOBr 25% ; 1% rGO, 3% rGO, and 5% rGO, respectively. The successful incorporation of rGO into the composites was confirmed using powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD). Furthermore, calculated band gap, elemental composition, and composites' morphology were investigated using UV-visible (UV-Vis) diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. The photocatalytic activities of the ternary heterojunctions were evaluated toward the photocatalytic reduction of 4-nitroaniline (4-NA) in aqueous solution. Experimental results reveal that rGO incorporation enhances the activity of the prepared heterojunction photocatalysts, where photocatalyst containing 5% rGO exhibited the highest activity achieving rate of 0.84 min −1 .

Exploring the effects of different crystal facet combinations and I-doping in the BiOCl/BiOI heterostructure on photocatalytic properties: a hybrid density functional investigation

“…They are in good agreement with the experimental data. 8,26 Based on the optimized unit cell, the (001) and (010) facets of BiOX (X = Cl, I) were cut and constructed. The BiOX(010) (X = Cl, I) facet has only one stoichiometric surface termination with strong stability, 27 while BiOX(001) facet has three kinds of terminations with different stabilities.…”

Visible-Light-Driven Photocatalytic Coupling of Neat Benzylamine over a Bi-Ellagate Metal–Organic Framework

“…In this regard, solar energy is captured and used via redox reactions for practical applications such as water splitting, , contaminant decomposition, , CO 2 photocatalytic reduction, , or CO 2 utilization. , The importance of photocatalysis lies on its ability to offer green and sustainable pathways for future development, , as well as the direct conversion of solar light without causing pollution to the environment . However, some minor concerns are still associated with traditional photocatalysis as it has low efficiency, poor recyclability, a slow rate of electron transport, and limited absorption of visible light . For that, a wide range of attempted modification methods have been done to extend the light absorption range and reduce electron/hole recombination. , Such methods include ion doping, , heterojunctions, , composite fabrication, , and noble metal deposition. , …”

“… 12 However, some minor concerns are still associated with traditional photocatalysis as it has low efficiency, 13 poor recyclability, a slow rate of electron transport, and limited absorption of visible light. 14 For that, a wide range of attempted modification methods have been done to extend the light absorption range and reduce electron/hole recombination. 15 , 16 Such methods include ion doping, 17 , 18 heterojunctions, 19 , 20 composite fabrication, 21 , 22 and noble metal deposition.…”