Synthesis and photocatalytic properties of visible-light-responsive, three-dimensional, flower-like La-TiO2/g-C3N4 heterojunction composites

We prepared a new three-dimensional, flower-like La-TiO2/g-C3N4 (LaTiCN) heterojunction photocatalyst using a solvothermal method. Analysis and characterization were performed by conducting scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry, and nitrogen adsorption and desorption. The prepared g-C3N4 nanosheets could reach 100 nm in size and covered the TiO2 surface. A tightly bound interface formed between the g-C3N4 and TiO2, speeding up the effective transfer of photo-induced electrons. In addition, the incorporation of La3+ reduced the electron-hole recombination efficiency. Consequently, the prepared La-TiO2/g-C3N4 composite material exhibited better visible-light catalytic activity than pure TiO2.