Enhanced photocatalytic properties of the Nb2O5/rGO for the degradation of methylene blue

Mixing the advantages of nano-Nb2O5 and reduced graphene oxide (rGO), composite systems offer great potential of exploration. Herein, Nb2O5 nanoparticles (NPs) and Nb2O5 modified reduced graphene oxide (Nb2O5/rGO) urchin-like have been successfully synthesized by hydrothermal process. The materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms, and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The photocatalytic efficiency of the Nb2O5 NPs and Nb2O5/rGO urchin-like were evaluated with respect to the degradation of methylene blue (MB) under solar radiation. It is found that the Nb2O5/rGO with porous structure and high specific surface area of similar to 105.25 m(2)/g shows significantly superior photocatalytic performances for the removal of the MB dye (99% degradation after 1h illumination) than pure Nb2O5 (20% degradation after 1h illumination). The improvement in the photocatalytic properties of the composite material is mainly ascribed to a cooperative effect between the rGO with good electrical conductivity and the unique nano-porous structure of Nb2O5 with abundant catalytic active sites, superior charge transfer efficiency, and stronger oxidation property.

Automated summary

The composite material of nano-Nb2O5 and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) exhibits excellent photocatalytic performance for the degradation of methylene blue dye under solar radiation. The superior properties of the composite material can be attributed to the good electrical conductivity of rGO and the abundant catalytic active sites, efficient charge transfer, and strong oxidation property of nano-porous Nb2O5.