Facile fabrication of CeF3/g-C3N4 heterojunction photocatalysts with upconversion properties for enhanced photocatalytic desulfurization performance

Cerium fluoride (CeF3) semiconductor with upconversion property was constructed on graphite carbonitride (g-C3N4) nanosheets by microwave hydrothermal method. The X-ray diffraction, transmission election microscopy, Fourier transform infrared, and X-ray photoelectron spectra techniques were used to characterize the CeF3/g-C3N4 nanocomposite. The study shows that CeF3 has upconversion property and can convert visible light (Vis) and near-infrared light (NIR) into ultraviolet light (UV). Moreover, CeF3 and g-C3N4 can form well-defined heterojunction and promote the effective separation of photo-generated electrons and holes. The synergistic effect of the CeF3/g-C3N4 nanocomposite was evaluated by photocatalytic degradation of dibenzothiophene (DBT). The optimum photocatalyst of CeF3/g-C3N4 (40 wt%) composites exhibit the highest photocatalytic desulfurization rate of the model oil under visible light radiation. (C) 2020 Chinese Society of Rare Earths. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The CeF3 semiconductor with upconversion property was constructed on graphite carbonitride (g-C3N4) nanosheets using microwave hydrothermal method. The CeF3/g-C3N4 nanocomposite showed efficient photocatalytic desulfurization of model oil under visible light radiation, thanks to the synergistic effect between CeF3 and g-C3N4. This study provides a potential strategy for improving photocatalytic desulfurization processes using CeF3/g-C3N4 nanocomposites.