Preparation and characterization of Ag^sub 2^CrO^sub 4^/few layer boron nitride hybrids for visible-light-driven photocatalysis

• Published in: Journal of nanoparticle research : an interdisciplinary forum for nanoscale science and technology Vol. 19; no. 6; p. 1
• Main Authors: Wu, Xiang-feng, Zhao, Ze-hua, Sun, Yang, Li, Hui, Zhang, Chen-xu, Wang, Yi-jin, Liu, Yu, Wang, Yu-duan, Yang, Xin-yue, Gong, Xiao-dong
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht Springer Nature B.V 01.06.2017
• Subjects: Boron; Boron nitride; Crystal structure; Current carriers; Degradation; Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy; Efficiency; Electric charge; Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy; Electrochemistry; Foreign investment; Hybrids; Impedance; Irradiation; Light irradiation; Nanoparticles; Nanostructure; Optical properties; Particulate composites; Photocatalysis; Rhodamine; Spectroscopy; Spectrum analysis; X-ray diffraction
• ISSN: 1388-0764; 1572-896X
• DOI: 10.1007/s11051-017-3892-9

Nanosized Ag2CrO4/few layer boron nitride composites were prepared via in situ precipitation method. The crystal structure, morphology, optical properties, and charge carrier behavior were investigated by X-ray diffraction, transmission electrical microscopy, UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, respectively. The photocatalytic activities of the as-prepared hybrids were discussed by degradation of rhodamine B under visible-light irradiation. Experimental results showed that the average size of pure Ag2CrO4 particles was about 20 nm. Moreover, the degradation efficiency of the as-prepared hybrids was first increased and then decreased with increasing the usage amount of few layer boron nitride nanosheets. When it was 10 wt%, in 120 min, the degradation efficiency of the as-prepared hybrids had reached the maximum of 96.7%. It was much higher than 75% of pure Ag2CrO4 nanoparticles. After 3 cycles of the degradation, the efficiency of the as-prepared composites was decreased from 96.7 to 91.8%. Trapping experiment results revealed that holes played a major role during the photocatalysis process. In addition, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy results indicated that few layer boron nitride nanosheets could enhance the separation and transfer of photogenerated electrons and holes.