Enhanced photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B by reduced graphene oxides modified Bi12TiO20 under visible light

In this work, Bi12TiO20/reduced graphene oxide (Bi12TiO20/rGO) photocatalysts were successfully synthesized via a simple microwave hydrothermal process. The as-prepared products were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and ultraviolet-visible absorption spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activity was investigated using Rhodamine B under visible-light irradiation. The Bi12TiO20/rGO composites presented much higher photocatalytic performance than pure Bi12TiO20. The B-5rGO sample exhibits the highest photocatalytic activity. The high performance could be attributed to the excellent electrical and mechanical properties of graphene sheets. The present study could provide new direction into the research of the Bi12TiO20/rGO composite materials and promote their application.