Visible light induced methylene blue dye degradation photo-catalyzed by WO3/graphene nanocomposites and the mechanism

Lu Gan, Lijie Xu, Songmin Shang, Xiaoyan Zhou, Liang Meng

Research output: Journal article publicationJournal articleAcademic researchpeer-review

87 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Graphene incorporated WO3nanocomposites with different graphene contents were synthesized in the present study using the hydrothermal approach. The results showed nano-structured WO3sticks were uniformly dispersed within the graphene sheets. The incorporation of the graphene significantly decreased the band gap energy of the pristine WO3. Due to this reason, the prepared WO3/Graphene nanocomposites had much higher photodegradation efficiency to the methylene blue dye than the pristine WO3. More importantly, it was found that the prepared nanocomposites could initiate dye degradation with a very desirable efficiency under visible light, and the methylene blue molecules could be converted to some small molecules during this process. This study provides an effective photocatalyst which can initiate dyestuff degradation in the wastewater under visible light.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)15235-15241
Number of pages7
JournalCeramics International
Volume42
Issue number14
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Nov 2016

Keywords

  • Dye degradation
  • Graphene
  • Nanocomposite
  • Photocatalysis
  • Tungsten oxide

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Ceramics and Composites
  • Process Chemistry and Technology
  • Surfaces, Coatings and Films
  • Materials Chemistry

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Visible light induced methylene blue dye degradation photo-catalyzed by WO3/graphene nanocomposites and the mechanism'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this