Construction of highly efficient 0D/2D Bi2MoO6/g-C3N4 heterojunctions for visible-light-driven photodegradation of 1-naphthol

Photocatalytic degradation is an ecologically benign method of reducing organic contaminants in wastewater. To remove the pollutant 1-naphthol, highly efficient 0D/2D Bi2MoO6/g-C3N4 heterojunctions were successfully assembled by a one-step hydrothermal method, where zero-dimension (0D) Bi2MoO6 nanoparticles were firmly bonded to two-dimension (2D) g-C3N4 nanosheets. 0D/2D Bi2MoO6/g-C3N4 exhibited exceptional degradation efficiency for 1-naphthol with a removal rate of 81.5% after 60 min of visible light irradiation. The enhanced photocatalytic ability was attributed to the matched band structures and tightly connected heterojunctions, which effectively prevented the recombination of photogenerated carriers. Besides, the photodegradation mechanism was revealed by investigating the catalysts' crystal phase, morphology, physicochemical and optical properties. This work introduces a novel method for one-step preparation of 0D/2D photocatalysts and advances the utilization of photodegradation for organic pollutants.

Automated summary

Photocatalytic degradation is an environmentally friendly method for reducing organic contaminants in wastewater. Highly efficient 0D/2D Bi2MoO6/g-C3N4 heterojunctions were successfully assembled by a one-step hydrothermal method to remove the pollutant 1-naphthol. The photocatalyst exhibited exceptional degradation efficiency due to matched band structures and tightly connected heterojunctions, preventing the recombination of photogenerated carriers. This work introduces a novel method for one-step preparation of 0D/2D photocatalysts and advances the utilization of photodegradation for organic pollutants.