Construction of heterostructured TiO2/InVO4/RGO microspheres with dual-channels for photo-generated charge separation

Abstract

A novel triple-component TiO₂/InVO₄/RGO photocatalyst with dual channels for photogenerated charge separation has been successfully synthesized for the first time to improve photocatalytic activity under visible light. The synthesis involved loading of RGO particles on the surface of InVO₄ microspheres to form RGO/InVO₄, and then depositing TiO₂ nanocrystals on the surface of InVO₄ by hydrolysis of Ti(SO₄)₂ at low-temperature hydrothermal conditions. The TiO₂/InVO₄/RGO exhibited superior photocatalytic performance to bare InVO₄, TiO₂, TiO₂/InVO₄, RGO/TiO₂, and RGO/InVO₄ in degradation of Rhodamine B (Rh B) under visible light. It is suggested that the photogenerated electrons in the conduction band (CB) of InVO₄ can quickly migrate to RGO, while the electrons also can be transferred to the CB of TiO₂. The dual transfer channels at the interfaces of TiO₂/InVO₄/RGO result in effective charge separation, leading to enhanced photocatalytic activity. The concept of establishing dual channels for charge separation in a triple-component heterostructure provides a promising way to develop photocatalysts with high efficiency.