Bismuth/bismuth oxide-incorporated reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite: synthesis, characterisation, and photocatalytic activity

Abstract

This study loaded Bi/Bi2O3 on the surface of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) to perform a two-step facile synthesis of rGO@Bi/Bi2O3 as a bismuth-based nanocomposite. First, Bi/Bi2O3 nanocomposites were synthesised via a solvothermal process using Bi(NO3)3·5H2O as the Bi3+ precursor and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as the solvent. Second, we exfoliated rGO in water to functionalise Bi/Bi2O3 with a few layers of rGO. Obtained nanocomposites were characterised with scanning electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction. We also measured the nanocomposites’ photocatalytic activity using cationic dyes, specifically methylene blue (MB) and rhodamine B (RhB). Additionally, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy was used to determine the optical properties of rGO@Bi/Bi2O3. Photodegradation was recorded under differing durations of exposure to visible light. Reaction rates were recorded at 14.6 × 10-4 min-1 and 22.2 × 10-3 min-1 for MB and RhB, respectively, while photodegradation efficiency was logged at 17% and 81%.

Synthesis of a multi-functionalized NiCo2O4 spinel heterostructure via the hydrothermal route for high-performance photo-electrocatalytic, anti-bacterial and eco-toxicity applications

“…The LSV (linear sweep voltammetry) was operated by sweeping the potential window of 0-0.9 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) at a scan rate of 0.005 V s À1 in an electrolyte solution of 1 M KOH. In the current study, the sweeping potential window was converted to the RHE, according to Nernst eqn (1). The overpotential of the synthesized catalysts was calculated using the E RHE value in eqn (2).…”

“…Mixed metal oxides and reduced graphene oxide are suitable for surface functionalization and drug system and biomedical applications, while they can also be used in energy storage devices because of their low energy density. 1 However, the synthesis of catalysts with high efficiency and stability is still a huge challenge. Hence, different approaches have been introduced to enhance the photo and electrocatalytic activity of materials by metal doping, formation of composites, optimization of their morphology, etc.…”