2D V2O5 nanoflakes on 2D p-gC3N4 nanosheets of heterostructure photocatalysts with the enhanced photocatalytic activity of organic pollutants under direct sunlight

Abstract

The demand for high-performing photocatalysts remains constant as photocatalytic techniques utilizing semiconductors are recognized as a highly effective means of purifying wastewater by eliminating various pollutants. Heterostructure binary nanocomposite photocatalysts possess the remarkable capability of absorbing solar light and effectively transmitting photocarriers, rendering them exceptionally efficient for diverse applications. This manuscript reports the synthesis of V2O5 (VO) and protonated g-C3N4 (PCN) nanocomposite by sol-gel method. The impact of protonated g-C3N4 on the nanocomposite (V2O5/protonated g-C3N4) was investigated by varying the different weight percentages [5% PCN/VO (PV1), 10% PCN/VO (PV2), and 15% PCN/VO (PV3)]. Several characterization techniques, including X-ray Diffraction (XRD),UV–VisDiffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (UV-DRS), Photoluminescence (PL), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Transmission electron microscope (TEM) and X-ray Photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis, were employed systematically to examine the structural, optical, morphological, and chemical compositional properties of the synthesized nanocomposites, respectively. The photocatalytic performance of the pure and nanocomposites was thoroughly assessed by degrading methylene blue (MB) under sunlight irradiation. TEM analysis confirms the intimate interface between VO and PCN in the heterostructure, facilitating efficient charge transfer. Additionally, UV analysis reveals an increased bandgap, indicating enhanced responsiveness to higher wavelength regions. In comparison to pure VO, the PV2 sample significantly increased its photocatalytic activity when exposed to direct sunlight, achieving a degradation efficiency of 97% with k = 0.024 min−1 in 100 min.