Application of SrRuO 3 Nanoparticles Supported with Reduced Graphene Oxide for Degradation of Thiophene Under Visible Light Irradiation

The existence of thiophene (TP) in fuel processing technology is considered a real threat to the environment. So the development of novel techniques for the remediation of such compounds was acknowledged by many scientists. In this investigation, SrRuO3 nanoparticles were prepared via the sol–gel method, and after that, they were supported with reduced graphene oxide (rGO). Complete photooxidative desulfurization of TP has been achieved by adopting the synthesized SrRuO3@rGO nanocomposite after 1 h of visible light irradiation. The synthesized SrRuO3@rGO nanocomposite accommodating 15 wt% rGO acquired declined bandgap (1.63 eV) in comparison to that of pure SrRuO3 nanoparticles (1.90 eV) accompanied with enlarged visible light absorption. Furthermore, photocurrent and photoluminescence evaluations affirmed that synthesized SrRuO3@rGO nanocomposites acquired diminished recombination amid the photogenerated charge carriers compared to that of pure SrRuO3 nanoparticles (NPs). This examination recommends SrRuO3@rGO as a photocatalyst that could be applied successfully in fuel processing technology for the remediation of sulfur-containing compounds.