Synthesis, characterization and photocatalytic efficiency of graphitic carbon nitride and bismuth oxycarbonate heterostructures

Abstract

Improvement of high–performance photocatalyst has great significance and serious challenge for succeeding in environmental treatment. In this research, Bi2O2CO3, g–C3N4 and g–C3N4/Bi2O2CO3 samples were successfully synthesized by a simple microwave– assisted method. Phase, morphology, elemental oxidation state, surface area and optical properties of the samples were investigated by different techniques. Effect of g–C3N4 content of the composites on the degradation of dyes (methylene blue, rhodamine B and methyl orange) illuminated by visible light was investigated. The g–C3N4/Bi2O2CO3 composites played the role in degrading the dyes better than pure Bi2O2CO3 and g–C3N4 under visible radiation due to the effective separation of charge carriers and enhanced absorption of visible light indicated by photoluminescence. The composites were effective in the photocatalytic reuse and exhibited good stability.