Graphitic Carbon Nitride/Reduced Graphene Oxide/Silver Oxide Nanostructures with Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity in Visible Light

Abstract

Visible light active graphitic carbon nitride/reduced graphene oxide/silver oxide nanocomposites with a p-n heterojunction structure were synthesized by chemical deposition methods. Prepared samples were characterized by different physico-chemical technics such as XRD, FTIR, SEM, TEM and DRS. Photocatalytic activity investigated by analyzing the Acid blue 92 (AB92) concentration during the time under visible light. Effects of pH, dye concentration, photocatalyst dosage and different scavengers on photocatalytic performance explored. Maximum photocatalytic degradation observed at pH=7. Silver nitrate among other scavengers demonstrated maximum activity for dye degradation. Photocatalyst with 400 ppm concentration showed the highest activity. Proposed mechanism and reaction kinetics discussed.