Preparation of Helical BiVO4/Ag/C3N4 for Selective Oxidation of C-H Bond under Visible Light Irradiation

The activation of C-H bonds is an efficient approach for the production of value-added organics. The partial oxidation of hydrocarbons to oxygen-containing products at mild conditions is a profound challenge because the products are often more active than the substrates. In this context, a novel helical structure of monoclinic scheelite bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) on the top of the silver (Ag) and amorphous carbon nitride (C3N4) was prepared for the first time and used as an efficient photocatalyst for selective oxidation of low hydrocarbons at room temperature. Benefited from its unique structural features, the helical BiVO4/Ag/C3N4 exhibits outstanding light absorption ability, efficient separation of photogenerated charge carriers, and high exposure of active sites. Using O-2 as an oxidant, the helical BiVO4/Ag/C3N4 achieved high selectivity in the oxidation of different alkanes into the corresponding ketones or aldehydes (nearly 100% selectivity) at room temperature under visible light irradiation. This work not only discloses a facile method for the preparation of the helical composite but also provides an efficient way for the generation of value-added organics from low hydrocarbons at mild conditions.