Fabrication of TiO2/Fe2O3/g-C3N4 ternary photocatalyst via a low-temperature calcination and solvothermal route and its visible light assisted photocatalytic properties

Abstract

This study reported the fabrication of TiO2/Fe2O3/g-C3N4 ternary Z-scheme photocatalyst via low-temperature calcination followed by a nonaqueous route with tunable particle size and strong interfacial contact. The subsequent Fe2O3/g-C3N4 and TiO2/Fe2O3/g-C3N4 were investigated in terms of structure, morphology, optical properties, and surface chemical composition analysis via transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX), UV–visible spectroscopy, and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL). The crystalline nature of the samples was investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and HRTEM. Under visible light, the photocatalytic capabilities of as-fabricated TiO2/Fe2O3/g-C3N4 were examined by degrading Rhodamine B (RhB), and an enhancement in photocatalytic efficacy was found. TiO2 works as a primary photosensitizer, providing extra photoinduced electrons, while Fe2O3 acts as a “bridge” for electron transport from the TiO2 moiety to the g-C3N4 thereby establishing an indirect charge transport pathway based on the Z-scheme. Radical scavenging tests were conducted to further explore the cause of increased activity and degradation mechanisms. The proposed technique might be a viable option for the removal of rhodamine b compounds and remedying freshwater reservoirs.