Efficient photocatalytic reduction of aqueous Cr(vi) over porous BNNSs/TiO2 nanocomposites under visible light irradiation†
Abstract
Photocatalytic reduction of aqueous Cr(VI) was successfully achieved on porous boron nitride nanosheets/TiO2 (P-BNNSs/TiO2) composites. Porous boron nitride (BN) nanosheets as a catalyst support material play an important role in extending the optical absorption spectrum of TiO2 into the visible light region. The photocatalytic reduction of aqueous Cr(VI) by P-BNNSs/TiO2 composites was evaluated under simulated solar light (λ > 300 nm) and visible light (λ > 420 nm) irradiation. The P-BNNSs/TiO2 composites exhibit excellent removal efficiency of Cr(VI) (∼99%). The excellent photocatalytic activity of P-BNNSs/TiO2 composites in the visible-light region is derived from their large surface area, which induces a strong absorption of pollutants and a lower recombination rate of electron–hole pairs.