Photocatalytic decomposition of N2O over g-C3N4/BiVO4 composite

Abstract

The pure g-C3N4 and BiVO4 were prepared by heating of melamine and sol-gel method, respectively. Their composites with various weight ratios (4:1; 1:1; 1:4) were obtained by simple mechanical mixing. Each photocatalyst was immobilized on Al2O3 foam (VUKOPOR A). Powder forms of photocatalysts were characterized by several characterization methods, such as X-ray diffraction, N-2 physisorption, diffuse reflectance UV-vis spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and photoelectrochemical measurements to obtain their properties. Their photocatalytic activity was evaluated for the photocatalytic decomposition of N2O which was carried out in homemade batch reactor. The experimental data and XPS results confirmed significant influence of oxygen species present on surface of the photocatalyst on their photocatalytic activity. Moreover, the immobilization of the photocatalyst on a macroscopic support such as foam, allow effortless manipulation with them and also their repeated using.