Synthesis of visible-light-driven g-C₃N₄/La₂Ti₂O₇ heterojunction photocatalysts for improved photocatalytic performance

The investigation of photocatalysts used in degrading organic pollutant is highly valuable for ameliorating the environmental pollution. Herein, the g-C₃N₄/La₂Ti₂O₇ heterojunction was successfully fabricated by an impregnation route. The as-obtained composite g-C₃N₄/La₂Ti₂O₇ presents photocatalytic properties for degradation of the model organic pollutant rhodamine B (RhB) under visible light irradiation. A sequence of characterizations confirmed that the g-C₃N₄/La₂Ti₂O₇ has an enhanced capability of light absorption than pristine g-C₃N₄ and La₂Ti₂O₇. In the photocatalytic experiment, the degradation rate of RhB by 10% g-C₃N₄/La₂Ti₂O₇ (g-C₃N₄ accounts for 10% in the total mass) composite is about 90%, which is 5 times pure La₂Ti₂O₇ and 3 times pure g-C₃N₄. This impressive improvement could be ascribed to the formation of a heterostructure between La₂Ti₂O₇ and g-C₃N₄, and improved migration efficiency of photogenerated electrons and holes.