Beta-FeOOH-supported graphitic carbon nitride as an efficient visible light photocatalyst

A novel beta iron oxyhydroxide (beta-FeOOH) supported graphitic carbon nitride hybrid was synthesized for the first time by a facile adsorption-hydrolysis method. The g-C3N4 was surface-modified with oxygen containing functional groups such as hydroxyl and carbonyl groups, by ultrasonic treatment of pristine g-C3N4 with hydrogen peroxide. Due to the formation of these groups, the beta-FeOOH was able to grow directly on the surface of g-C3N4 through strong electrostatic interactions.The as-prepared hybrid showed enhanced light absorption in the visible light region compared to pure g-C3N4, and possessed a type-II heterojunction structure. The photocatalytic properties of these hybrids were evaluated through the photocatalytic degradation of RhB under visible light irradiation. It was found that a loading quantity of 4% beta-FeOOH exhibited the best performance. The reported beta-FeOOH/g-C3N4 hybrid is a highly efficient visible light photocatalyst. (C) 2016 Published by Elsevier B.V.