Preparation of V2O5-based composites and photocatalytic performance

V 2 O 5 -based composites V 2 O 5 /g-C 3 N 4 and V 2 O 5 /WO 3 were successfully prepared using ultrasonic calcination and hydrothermal methods respectively. Their crystal structures, morphologies, and chemical states were systematically marked by utilizing SEM, XRD, and XPS. Both composites developed stable heterojunction structures, which boosted their photocatalytic performance. The heterojunction of V 2 O 5 /g-C 3 N 4 broadened the range of visible light response and enhanced the spatial separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs by energy level matching. In contrast, the V 2 O 5 /WO 3 heterojunction effectively inhibited rapid carrier recombination for high-energy ultraviolet (UV) excitation through a Type-II band alignment, which overcomes a limitation that is commonly observed in pure V 2 O 5 because of its narrow bandgap. Photocatalytic tests showed good photocatalytic activity with V 2 O 5 /g-C 3 N 4 of MB's 99% degradation under visible light and V 2 O 5 /WO 3 attained 98% degradation of MB under UV light. This work overcomes the limitations of pure V 2 O 5 , such as a narrow light-response range and a higher carrier recombination rate and shows that the combination of ultrasonic calcination and hydrothermal synthesis allows for the controllable construction of heterojunction structures, which is a reliable strategy for the design of advanced photocatalytic materials.