Efficient light-driven hydrogen evolution and azo dye degradation over the GdVO₄@g-C₃N₄ heterostructure

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Photocatalysis
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) and Gadolinium vanadate (GdVO4) are promising photocatalysts.
• Developing efficient heterostructures is crucial for energy and environmental applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize a g-C3N4/GdVO4 (CN/GdV) heterostructure using a hydrothermal method.
• To evaluate the photocatalytic activity of the CN/GdV heterostructure for hydrogen evolution and azo dye degradation.

Main Methods:

• Hydrothermal synthesis for CN/GdV heterostructure fabrication.
• Characterization using XRD, SEM, TEM, and XPS.
• Photocatalytic testing under visible light for H2 evolution and dye degradation (AMR, RR2).

Main Results:

• The CN/GdV heterostructure exhibited superior hydrogen evolution (16,234 μmol g-1 in 4 h) compared to pure components.
• Efficient degradation of Amaranth (96% in 60 min) and Reactive Red2 (93% in 80 min) was achieved.
• Enhanced activity is attributed to the type-II heterostructure and reduced charge carrier recombination.

Conclusions:

• The synthesized CN/GdV heterostructure demonstrates significant potential for visible-light-driven photocatalysis.
• This work highlights the promise of metal vanadate nanocomposites for sustainable energy and environmental remediation.
• Further research into similar nanocomposite materials is encouraged.