Synthesis of novel photocatalytic RGO-InVO4 nanocomposites with visible light photoactivity

In this study, we report a facile method for preparation of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) sheets supported indium vanadate (InVO4) photocatalysts. A wide range of characterization techniques, such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Thermogravimetric analysis and Transmission electron microscopy were applied to characterize the obtained composites. The results indicated that the composites consist of uniformly dispersed InVO4 nanocrystals on RGO sheets. Visible light responses of RGO-InVO4 nanocomposites are greatly improved as compared with the bulk InVO4. The as-prepared RGO-InVO4 nanocomposites can effectively remove methyl orange and Cr (VI) from water under visible light irradiation, which can be used as novel photocatalysts for environmental protection (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.