Role of graphene on the structure and optical properties of rGO/BiPbO2Cl nanosheet composites with enhanced photocatalytic activity

- The BiPbO2Cl has slightly higher absorption intensities by recombination with graphene.
- The PL intensity of pure BiPbO2Cl is decreased by the loading with rGO.
- The photocatalytic activity of the obtained 2 wt% rGO/BiPbO2Cl nanosheet composites is improved as large as 5.7 times.
- More efficient photoinduced charge separation and transfer in rGO/BiPbO2Cl composite.

The composite photocatalysts composed of BiPbO2Cl and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) were synthesized by a one-step hydrothermal method. The UV-vis absorbance spectra results show that the BiPbO2Cl nanosheet absorbs more visible light when it is combined with graphene. The Raman spectra results indicate that the D and G bands are not visible from the Raman spectra of BiPbO2Cl, and the peak strength of two bands is increased with the increase of graphene content. The obtained 2 wt% rGO/BiPbO2Cl nanosheet composites exhibit higher photocatalytic activity, which is 5.7 times compared with that of BiPbO2Cl nanosheets. The improved photocatalytic activity of the rGO/BiPbO2Cl composites is ascribed to effective charge transfer due to graphene.

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