A g-C3N4 supported graphene oxide/Ag3PO4 composite with remarkably enhanced photocatalytic activity under visible light

• A GO/Ag3PO4/g-C3N4 composite was synthesized by a simple precipitation method.
• Ag3PO4 nanoparticles covered with GO sheets are supported on the surface of g-C3N4.
• The composite shows superior photocatalytic activity and good stability.
• The holes and superoxide radicals are the main active species.

In this work, a ternary composite photocatalyst of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4), graphene oxide (GO), and Ag3PO4 was prepared through a simple precipitation route, in which Ag3PO4 nanoparticles covered or wrapped with GO sheets are supported on g-C3N4 sheets. The composite photocatalyst displays enhanced absorption in the visible region, and exhibited superior photocatalytic activity compared with single-component or binary composite photocatalysts in the photocatalytic decomposition of Rhodamine B. The enhancement of photocatalytic activity could be attributed to the synergistic effect among them. The ternary composite also exhibited enhanced stability, but further efforts should be made to make it more stable.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide