Facile preparation of 2D Bi2MoO6 nanosheets–RGO composites with enhanced photocatalytic activity

Abstract

Bi₂MoO₆ nanosheets–RGO nanocomposites were prepared as photocatalysts via a facile hydrothermal treatment. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The Bi₂MoO₆ nanosheets were distributed on the surface of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) sheets. The photocatalytic performance of as-prepared Bi₂MoO₆–RGO nanocomposites was investigated sufficiently by the photodegradation of ciprofloxacin (CIP). The results show that the Bi₂MoO₆ nanosheets–RGO nanocomposites have higher photocatalytic activity compared to pure Bi₂MoO₆ under light irradiation, which is attributed to the synergetic effect of the Bi₂MoO₆ nanosheets and RGOsheets. Based on the intermediate products of CIP detected, the possible photocatalytic degradation pathway of ciprofloxacin was proposed. The Bi₂MoO₆ nanosheets–RGO nanocomposites show great potential for application in the water purification field.