Fabrication of 1D/2D BiPO4/g-C3N4 heterostructured photocatalyst with enhanced photocatalytic efficiency for NO removal

The visible light photocatalytic removal of NO in air is a promising way. BiPO4 is restricted by its wide band gap and can only be responded to ultraviolet light. Herein, 1D BiPO4 nanorod/2D g-C3N4 heterostructured photo catalyst was successfully synthesized via a facile one-step hydrothermal process for efficient visible light photocatalytic removal of NO. With simulated sunlight irradiation, the photocatalytic NO removal activity of the BiPO4/g-C3N4 (64%) is much higher than that of the pure BiPO4 (7.2%) and g-C3N4 (50%). Its excellent photocatalytic performance was ascribed to broadening the light response range to visible light and boosting the separation and transfer of photogenerated electrons and holes. The NO photocatalytic removal mechanism was proposed by the free radical trapping experiment and in situ DRIFTS research. The present study might induce a new means to design BiPO4-based heterostructured photocatalysts for the removal of NO from air pollution under simulated solar light irradiation.

Automated summary

A 1D BiPO4 nanorod/2D g-C3N4 heterostructured photocatalyst was successfully synthesized for efficient visible light photocatalytic removal of NO. It showed higher NO removal activity compared to pure BiPO4 and g-C3N4, attributed to broadening light response range and promoting separation and transfer of photogenerated electrons and holes. This study may lead to a new approach for designing BiPO4-based heterostructured photocatalysts for NO removal under simulated solar light irradiation.