Chemically bonded graphene/BiOCl nanocomposites as high-performance photocatalysts

Abstract

After the successful solvothermal synthesis of graphene (GR) from ethanol and sodium, we obtained chemically bonded graphene/BiOCl (GR/BiOCl) nanocomposite photocatalysts via a facile chemical-bath method. A significant enhancement was observed in the photodegradation of methylbenzene, which was largely ascribed to the chemical coupling effects between Bi and C, as shown by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Raman spectroscopy also indicated an increased size of the sp(2) ring clusters and decreased disorder in the graphitic structure, as substitutions of defects like vacancies as well as oxygen containing carbonaceous groups with C-Bi attachment take place. Overall, information about chemical coupling effects between GR and BiOCl might take us a step further in GR-based hybrid materials, providing a very good reference to the fabrication of chemically bonded GR/semiconductor compounds and facilitating their applications in environmental protection, photo-electrochemical conversion and photocatalytic decomposition of water.

Atypical BiOCl/Bi2S3 hetero-structures exhibiting remarkable photo-catalyst response

“…Moreover, BiOCl nanoparticles were dispersed uniformly on the both surfaces of graphene sheets to form a sandwich-like structure. The graphene/ BiOCl nanocomposite increased the separation efficiency of electron-hole pairs and enhanced photo-degradation of methylbenzene under irradiation [39]. Very recently, BiOCl/Bi 2 S 3 hetero-structures have been fabricated through ion exchange strategies and a degradation of methyl orange, RhB and 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) has been carried out under the visible light irradiation.…”

Size-controlled BiOCl–RGO composites having enhanced photodegradative properties

“…Several approaches to the synthesis of BiOCl-based photocatalysts have been reported. Zhang [31] used a hydrolysis method, while Gao et al [32] combined graphene and RGO with BiOCl using a solvothermal method. Tian [33] combined RGO with BiOCl in benzyl alcohol under visible light irradiation.…”

BiOCl/ultrathin polyaniline core/shell nanosheets with a sensitization mechanism for efficient visible-light-driven photocatalysis

“…The absorbance peak of BiOCl at 511 cm −1 is also observed in the PB-1 composite (Fig. 1b) [32]. The color of the catalyst varies with the addition of aniline: with increasing content of aniline, the color of the samples changes from white to gray (inset of Fig.…”