Ternary-component reduced graphene oxide aerogel constructed by g-C3N4/BiOBr heterojunction and graphene oxide with enhanced photocatalytic performance

Tremendous demands for photocatalysts with high chemical activity and stability, low cost and capability of response to visible-light have stimulated intensive research on developing versatile materials with special photocatalytic applications. Here we report a novel g-C 3 N 4 /BiOBr-RGO aerogel ternary-component heterojunction photocatalyst for degradation of RhB under visible light irradiation. As a result of synergistic effect of the g-C 3 N 4 , BiOBr and RGO, the hybrid photocatalysts exhibit better activity than the single component catalysts (pure g-C 3 N 4 , BiOBr) and bi-component catalysts (g-C 3 N 4 /BiOBr) in the same time period (60 min). The enhanced photocatalytic performance originates from a novel nanoarchitecture in which BiOBr exposed more active plane and RGO worked as a conductive support further improved the photogenerated charge separation. Moreover, due to the 3D structure of RGO after reaction the photocatalysts can be easily removed from the treated solution and reused, which opens up a way for the recycling applications of catalysts in aqueous reaction systems.