Abstract
A novel photoanode consisting of an exfoliated graphite–BiVO4/ZnO heterostructured nanocomposite was fabricated. The material was characterised with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Photoelectrochemical studies were carried out with cyclic/linear sweep voltammetry and chronoamperometry. The solar photoelectrochemical properties of the heterojunction photoanode were investigated through the degradation of rhodamine B in water. The results revealed that the nanoparticles of BiVO4 and ZnO were well entrapped within the interlayers of the exfoliated graphite (EG) sheets. Improved charge separation was achieved in the EG–BiVO4/ZnO composite electrode which resulted in superior photoelectrochemical performance than individual BiVO4 and ZnO electrodes. A higher degradation efficiency of 91% of rhodamine B was recorded using the composite electrode with the application of 10 mA cm−2 current density and a solution pH of 7. The highest total organic carbon removal of 74% was also recorded with the EG–BiVO4/ZnO. Data from scavenger studies were used to support the proposed mechanism of degradation. The electrode has high stability and reusability and hence lends itself to applications in photoelectrocatalysis, especially in water treatment.
Highlights
IntroductionOver the years, has been the cornerstone of the improvement and optimisation of many industrial processes including syntheses and production.[1] The concept of catalysis is prominent in electrochemical processes where it is generally referred to as electrocatalysis
Catalysis, over the years, has been the cornerstone of the improvement and optimisation of many industrial processes including syntheses and production.[1]
All the characteristic peaks of BiVO4, Zinc oxide (ZnO) and that of exfoliated graphite (EG) can be seen in the X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern of the EG– BiVO4/ZnO composite which indicated that the composite was successfully prepared
Summary
Over the years, has been the cornerstone of the improvement and optimisation of many industrial processes including syntheses and production.[1] The concept of catalysis is prominent in electrochemical processes where it is generally referred to as electrocatalysis. The rate of an electrochemical reaction occurring on an electrode surface is improved. Many electrochemical processes for energy and sensing[2] are based on electrocatalysis and photoelectrocatalysis (where light is involved). Catalysis, electrocatalysis and photoelectrocatalysis have found application in the eld of water treatment.[3,4] The challenge of water pollution and incalcitrant pollutants, which are difficult to treat with the conventional water treatment methods, are motivations behind the quests for alternative or complementary approaches to water treatment. The occurrence of dyes, pharmaceuticals and other organic pollutants are on the increase and they have been found to persist in water even a er treatment.[5,6,7]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
