Effect of reduced graphene oxide on the sunlight-driven photocatalytic activity of rGO/h-MoO3 nanocomposites

Abstract

In this present work, we explore the preparation of h-molybdenum oxide/reduced graphene oxide (h-MoO3/rGO) nanocomposites via a simple precipitation technique to enhance the photocatalytic activity of h-MoO3 under direct sunlight illumination. The phase formation h-MoO3 was confirmed by x-ray diffraction studies, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopic studies revealed the formation of rGO/h-MoO3 nanocomposites. The surface morphologies of the synthesized samples were analyzed through field-emission scanning electron microscopy. Moreover, the hazardous methylene blue dye degradation was studied to evaluate the photocatalytic activity of the prepared materials under direct sunlight illumination. The comparative results show that the rGO/h-MoO3 composites exhibited higher catalytic activity than the bare h-MoO3. The reason behind the enhancement of the photocatalytic activity was discussed in great detail. Moreover, in situ scavenger studies were carried out to probe the mechanism of photocatalysis.