BiVO4 /N-rGO nano composites as highly efficient visible active photocatalyst for the degradation of dyes and antibiotics in eco system

Abstract

Herein, we report the synthesis of novel nitrogen doped reduced graphene oxide/ BiVO₄ photo catalyst by single step hydrothermal method. The physicochemical properties of the catalysts were characterized using XRD, N₂ adsorption-desorption, Raman, XPS, SEM TEM, DRS-UV and EIS techniques. The synthesized catalysts were tested for their catalytic activity in the photo degradation of some harmful textile dyes (methylene blue & congo red) and antibiotics (metronidazole and chloramphenicol) under visible light irradiation. Reduced charge recombination and enhanced photocatalytic activity were observed due to the concerted effect between BiVO₄ and nitrogen-rGO. The degradation efficiency of BiVO₄/N-rGO in the degradation of CR and MB was remarkably high i.e 95% and 98% under visible light irradiation. Similarly 95% of MTZ and 93% of CAP were degraded under visible light irradiation. HPLC studies implied that both the dyes and antibiotics were degraded to the maximum extent. The plausible photocatalytic mechanism on the basis of experimental results was suggested.

Keywords: Adsorption; Antibiotics; Degradation; Graphene; Non-metal; Photocatalyst.