Fabrication of 3D CeVO4/graphene aerogels with efficient visible-light photocatalytic activity

Abstract

Hybrid 3-dimensional (3D) structures that were composed of CeVO4 particles and graphene aerogels were fabricated by the electrostatic-driven self-assembly method. The as-prepared products were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectra, field-emission scanning electron microscope and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The results showed that graphene nanosheets loading with CeVO4 particles self-assembled into a well-defined and interconnected 3D porous network through strong van der Waals and π–π interactions. Benefited from the incorporation of CeVO4 particles into graphene nanosheets in such a unique structure, hybrid aerogels exhibited higher photodegradation efficiency toward methylene blue (MB) than that over pure CeVO4 photocatalyst. It is proposed that the efficient physical adsorption of dye molecules and enhanced charge transfer in the composite is account for the improved photocatalytic activity. These findings open a new pathway for the design and fabrication of such functional graphene-based aerogels in water purification and advanced treatment.