Role of graphene on the structure and optical properties of rGO/BiPbO2Cl nanosheet composites with enhanced photocatalytic activity

Abstract The composite photocatalysts composed of BiPbO 2 Cl and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) were synthesized by a one-step hydrothermal method. The UV–vis absorbance spectra results show that the BiPbO 2 Cl nanosheet absorbs more visible light when it is combined with graphene. The Raman spectra results indicate that the D and G bands are not visible from the Raman spectra of BiPbO 2 Cl, and the peak strength of two bands is increased with the increase of graphene content. The obtained 2 wt% rGO/BiPbO 2 Cl nanosheet composites exhibit higher photocatalytic activity, which is 5.7 times compared with that of BiPbO 2 Cl nanosheets. The improved photocatalytic activity of the rGO/BiPbO 2 Cl composites is ascribed to effective charge transfer due to graphene.