Enhanced Photocatalytic Degradation Activity Using the V₂O₅/RGO Composite

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Environmental Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Semiconductor photocatalysts are crucial for degrading organic pollutants.
• Photocatalysis offers an eco-friendly and economical solution for environmental remediation.
• Vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) are promising materials for photocatalysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize V2O5 and V2O5/RGO composite materials.
• To investigate the structural and optical properties of the synthesized materials.
• To evaluate the photocatalytic efficiency of V2O5 and V2O5/RGO for methylene blue degradation.

Main Methods:

• Hydrothermal synthesis for V2O5 and V2O5/RGO composite.
• Characterization using XRD, XPS, SEM, Raman, and UV-Vis spectroscopy.
• Photocatalytic degradation experiments using methylene blue as a model pollutant.

Main Results:

• Raman spectroscopy confirmed the presence of RGO and V2O5 vibrational modes in the composite.
• The V2O5/RGO composite exhibited a reduced band gap and enhanced light absorption.
• The V2O5/RGO composite demonstrated significantly higher photocatalytic activity for methylene blue degradation than pure V2O5.

Conclusions:

• The V2O5/RGO composite material is an effective photocatalyst for organic compound degradation.
• The synergy between V2O5 and RGO enhances photocatalytic performance.
• Both the catalyst and light are essential factors in the degradation process.