Synthesis of visible light active graphene-modified BaCrO4 nanocomposite photocatalyst

Abstract

In situ chemical deposition sol-gel method has been used to prepare graphene oxide-BaCrO4 (GO-BaCrO4), which was then reduced to graphene-BaCrO4 (RGO-BaCrO4) under visible-light irradiation. X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy were used to study the morphological characteristics of the prepared composite material. This synthesis method offers effortless incorporation of a visible light active photocatalyst in a composite; the reduction of GO to RGO was carried out under visible light as well. Graphene sheets with high specific surface area and unique electronic properties can be used as a good support for BaCrO4 and enhance the photocatalytic activity for the degradation of methylene blue dye compared to pure BaCrO4. The poor photocatalytic activity of pure BaCrO4 is due to its fast charge recombination. Enhanced photocatalytic degradation activity is attributed predominantly to the presence of graphene, which serves as an electron collector and transporter to lengthen efficiently the lifetime of the photogenerated charge carriers from BaCrO4 nanoparticles. The modified surface of BaCrO4 acts as a good photocatalyst compared to unmodified BaCrO4. The optimum reaction time for synthesis and GO concentration in the composite to enhance photocatalytic activity are presented in this article.