V2O5 Nanorod-Loaded g-C3N4 Sheets for Efficient Photocatalytic Removal of NO and Minimal NO2 Yield under Visible Light

Air pollution, stemming from nitrogenoxides, severely threatenshuman health and our environment. Although significant progress hasbeen made with g-C3N4-based photocatalytic materials,an effective strategy to suppress the high generation of toxic NO2 and rapid recombination of photogenerated electrons and holesremains limited. Here, we show a V2O5 nanorod-loadedg-C3N4 sheet nanocomposite photocatalyst preparedthrough a straightforward and cost-effective mechanical mixing approach.Our proposed nanocomposite photocatalysts excel at eliminating NOunder visible light exposure while generating a strikingly low levelof NO2. This impressive performance is attributed to thewidened band gap of g-C3N4 and the amplifiedoptical properties achieved by pairing with photoactive V2O5. We also shed light on the underlying photocatalyticmechanism and pinpoint key influencing factors. With excellent availabilityand recyclability, this V2O5 nanorod-loadedg-C3N4 sheet nanocomposite photocatalyst offerssubstantial practical applicability, promising a brighter future inthe fight against air pollution and creating a cleaner, healthierenvironment.

Automated summary

A V2O5 nanorod-loaded g-C3N4 sheet nanocomposite photocatalyst is developed through a simple and cost-effective mechanical mixing approach. This photocatalyst exhibits excellent performance in eliminating NO and reducing the production of toxic NO2 under visible light exposure. It also offers great availability and recyclability, making it a promising solution for combating air pollution and creating a cleaner, healthier environment.