Facile Synthesis, Characterization and Enhanced Photocatalytic Activities of NiWO4/Nitrogen Doped Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites.

In this study, we report the synthesis of NiWO4/nitrogen doped reduced graphene oxide nano composite by one-pot hydrothermal method. The NiWO4 nano particles were dispersed uniformly on graphene sheets. The as prepared NiWO4, NiWO4/5% rGO and NiWO4/N-5% rGO composites were analytically characterized by Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS-UV), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and N2 adsorption-desorption isotherm. The photocatalytic performances of the synthesized composites were evaluated towards the photo degradation of congo red (CR) under visible light radiation. The synthesized catalysts showed remarkable photocatalytic activity in the degradation of CR. Among the catalysts NiWO4/N-5% rGO showed the highest decolourization of congo red (92%) under visible light irradiation. This high activity is attributed to its high e- transport property. Our results provide an invaluable methodology for designing high-performance photo-catalysts for new energy applications.

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

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.