Ternary reduced-graphene-oxide/Bi2MoO6/Au nanocomposites with enhanced photocatalytic activity under visible light

• The ternary nanocomposites RGO/Bi2MoO6/Au were constructed for the first time.
• RGO/Bi2MoO6/Au showed much higher visible photoactivity than RGO (Au)/Bi2MoO6.
• The improved photoactivity was mainly due to the synergistic effect of Au and RGO.
• The synergistic effect of Au and RGO led to a better separation of the carriers.
• The SPR effect and extra electron magnetic field of Au help to electron transport.

A novel ternary nanocomposite photocatalyst consisted of reduced-graphene-oxide (RGO), Bi2MoO6 and plasmonic Au nanoparticles were successfully fabricated by multiple steps including a simple solvothermal process and photochemical reduction process. RGO/Bi2MoO6/Au was characterized by X-ray powder diffraction patterns, transmission electron microscopy, UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra, Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. In comparison with Bi2MoO6, RGO/Bi2MoO6 and Au/Bi2MoO6, RGO/Bi2MoO6/Au exhibits an enhanced photocatalytic activity for decomposition of Rhodamine B under visible light. The separation efficiency of the photogenerated holes and electrons on Bi2MoO6 is promoted by the combined effect of both RGO and Au in the ternary composite, and thus enhances photocatalytic activity. The scavenger study revealed that both hole and superoxide are the major reactive species for the photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B using RGO/Bi2MoO6/Au photocatalyst.

A novel ternary nanocomposite photocatalyst consisted of reduced-graphene-oxide (RGO), Bi2MoO6 and plasmonic Au nanoparticles were successfully fabricated by multiple steps including a simple solvothermal process and photochemical reduction process. The resulted ternary nanocomposites greatly enhanced the visible light photocatalytic properties compared to Bi2MoO6, RGO/Bi2MoO6 or Au/Bi2MoO6 binary systems. The improved photocatalytic activity was mainly attributed to the synergistic effect of Au and RGO with better separation of the photogenerated holes and electrons, resulting from the surface plasmonic resonance and extra strong electron magnetic field of Au nanoparticles and the high electron conductivity of RGO.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide