Enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity of C3N4/BiOBr for organic dye decomposition by using graphitic C3N4 synthesized via ionothermal copolymerization

Abstract

Modified graphitic C3N4 was synthesized by the ionothermal copolymerization method and composited with BiOBr by waterbath heating. The microstructure, specific surface area, photocatalytic activity and optical property of the resulting hybrid photocatalysts were characterized. The results showed that layered BiOBr was formed on the surface of modified graphitic C3N4 nanoparticles. The modified graphitic C3N4/BiOBr hybrid photocatalysts had a higher specific surface area than that of BiOBr and show a broad response range under visible light. The synergetic effect between the two semiconductors was more favorable for the separation of electronhole pairs. Rhodamine B solution can be effectively degraded using the hybrid photocatalysts. When the weight ratio of modified graphitic C3N4 in the hybrid photocatalyst was up to 50%, the photocatalyst showed the best activity. Photocurrent testing indicated that the recombination of photo-generated electronhole pairs was inhibited. The photocatalyst showed a good stability by a cycling experiment.