Novel visible light induced Co3O4-g-C3N4 heterojunction photocatalysts for efficient degradation of methyl orange

Changcun Han, Lei Ge*, Changfeng Chen, Yujing Li, Xinlai Xiao, Yuanna Zhang, Lele Guo

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

384 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Novel visible-light-induced Co3O4-g-C3N4 heterojunction photocatalysts were synthesized via a facile mixing-and-heating method. The as-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflection spectroscopy (DRS), electron spin resonance (ESR) and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL). The heterojunction photocatalysts exhibit a significantly enhanced photocatalytic activity in degrading methyl orange (MO). The optimal Co3O4 content with the highest photocatalytic activity was determined to be 0.2wt%. The synergetic effect between Co3O4 and g-C3N4 plays an important role in promoting photo-generated carrier separation. The ESR and PL results reveals that the enhanced photocatalytic activity of Co3O4-g-C3N4 was mainly due to the superior amount and longer lifetime of oxidative radicals (O2-), as well as the efficient separation of charge carriers. Possible mechanism is proposed for the high photocatalytic activity of heterojunction structures, to guide the design of photocatalysts.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)546-553
Number of pages8
JournalApplied Catalysis B: Environmental
Volume147
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 5 Apr 2014
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Cobalt oxides
  • Graphitic carbon nitride
  • Heterojunction photocatalysts
  • Photocatalysis

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Novel visible light induced Co3O4-g-C3N4 heterojunction photocatalysts for efficient degradation of methyl orange'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this