Facile fabrication of BiVO4/g-C3N4 photocatalysts and its photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation

A series of different percentages of BiVO4/g-C3N4 photocatalysts were synthesized by a simple method. These composite materials were characterized by several characterization techniques. BiVO4/g-C3N4 photocatalytic property was evaluated by RhB degradation experiment under visible light irradiation. The result of experiment indicates that 10 wt% g-C3N4 composite had the best catalytic performance. The composite catalyst’s special structure enhanced the contact region between BiVO4 and g-C3N4 nanocrystals and enhanced the interaction between the chemical bands. g-C3N4 nanocrystals reduce the charge transfer distance, inhibit the photoinduced electron hole pair, and improve the composites photocatalytic activity. The photocatalyst has excellent photocatalytic properties and can degrade almost all of MB and RhB. The experimental results show that the catalyst has good stability and can be reused many times. The photocatalytic mechanism was proved by experiments and elaborated.