Flower‐like shaped Bi12TiO20/g‐C3N4 heterojunction for effective elimination of organic pollutants: Preparation, characterization, and mechanism study. (22nd May 2020) - Yu, Xinmin
Abstract : Flower‐like shaped Bi12 TiO20 (Bismuth Titanate)/g‐C3 N4 (graphite‐like carbon nitride) heterojunction was prepared through hydrothermal and sonification methods for the degradation of organic pollutants by visible‐light irradiation. The preparation process, chemical structures, and the mechanism of photocatalytic enhancement of the heterostructures were studied systematically. Under visible‐light irradiation, the novel flower‐like shaped Bi12 TiO20 /g‐C3 N4 heterojunction demonstrates prominent activities for the degradation of rhodamine B and p ‐nitrophenol, with the introduction of flower‐like shaped Bi12 TiO20 into g‐C3 N4 composites greatly increasing the activity of pure g‐C3 N4 . This activity enhancement for the heterojunction could be mainly attributed to its low recombination speed of electron–hole pairs, high adsorption ability of organic pollutants, and better optical absorption ability. Moreover, in the visible‐light system of Bi12 TiO20 /g‐C3 N4, OH also contributed to the degradation of pollutants, which may explain the enhanced photocatalytic activity after the introduction of Bi12 TiO20, as OH is inactive in pure g‐C3 N4 . Furthermore, 10 wt.% Bi12 TiO20 /g‐C3 N4 showed not only high activity but also good stability for degradation of aqueous organic pollutants, implying potential applications prospect. Abstract : Key Findings 1. 10 wt.% Bi12 TiO20 /g‐C3 N4 (graphite‐like carbon nitride) catalyst exhibited excellent degradation efficiency toward rhodamine B or p ‐nitrophenol. 2. Enhanced activity of Bi12 TiO20 is ascribed to better optical utilization, adsorption ability, and lower electron–hole pairs recombination rate. 3. 10 wt.% Bi12 TiO20 /g‐C3 N4 has great potential for degradation of aqueous organic contaminants in future applications.