This work aims to investigate the formation, photocatalytic performance, and rational mechanism of Bi_xFe_1–xVO₄/SCN photocatalytic nanocomposites. Among different Bi_xFe_1–xVO₄ (x = 0.7; 0.5; 0.3), the Bi_0.5Fe_0.5VO₄/SCN (Bi/Fe = 0.5) nanocomposite results in 85.66% of ROX photodegradation within 90 mins under visible-light irradiation.

Technology Overview
The mixed-phase Bi_xFe_1–xVO₄ (x = 0.7; 0.5; 0.3) heterostructures were prepared by one-pot hydrothermal method. The bandgap energies of Bi_xFe_1–xVO₄ heterostructures gradually decreases with an increasing atomic percentage of (Fe) ratio. The synergistic effect between Bi_xFe_1–xVO₄ and SCN significantly enhances the optical-electronic possessions, and type-II heterojunction enables superior charge carrier separation. The photocatalytic efficiency of Bi_xFe_1–xVO₄/SCN nanocomposite is 2.49, 2.87, 3.48 folds higher than that of pristine g–C₃N₄, BiVO₄, and FeVO₄ samples towards the photodegradation of ROX. The photoelectrochemical OER photocurrent density (1.23 V vs RHE) of Bi_0.5Fe_0.5VO₄/SCN (0.987 mA cm^–2) is 16.73, 5.11, and 6.16 times greater than CN, BiVO₄, and FeVO₄, respectively.

Applications & Benefits
In conclusion, hydrothermally synthesized mixed-phase (Bi and Fe) Bi_xFe_1–xVO₄ heterostructures with different proportions (x = 0.7; 0.5; 0.3 ) have shown expanded visible-light absorption, enriched photogenerated charge carrier separation and transfer efficiencies. 

Abstract：
Metal vanadate (MVO₄) and graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) semiconductor materials have attracted much interest due to their tremendous physicochemical and photocatalytic performances. In this prospect, Bi_xFe_1–xVO₄ were prepared by mixing cation precursors (Bi and Fe) in different proportions (x = 0.7; 0.5; 0.3) via a simple one-pot hydrothermal route and impregnated on the surface of sulfur-doped g-C₃N₄ (SCN) to attain a wide range of solar absorption and effective charge separation. Several spectroscopic techniques were used to analyze the physicochemical and optoelectronic properties of as-synthesized photocatalysts. The photocatalytic activities of as-synthesized photocatalysts were evaluated by photoelectrochemical oxygen evolution reactions (OER) and photodegradation of roxarsone (ROX). This work aims to investigate the formation, photocatalytic performance, and rational mechanism of Bi_xFe_1–xVO₄/SCN photocatalytic nanocomposites. Among different Bi_xFe_1–xVO₄ (x = 0.7; 0.5; 0.3), the Bi_0.5Fe_0.5VO₄/SCN (Bi/Fe = 0.5) nanocomposite results in 85.66% of ROX photodegradation within 90 mins under visible-light irradiation. The photocatalytic performance of the nanocomposite is about 2.49, 2.87, 3.48 folds higher than that of pristine g-C₃N₄, BiVO₄, and FeVO₄ samples, respectively. The photoelectrochemical OER results suggest the higher photocurrent density at 1.23 V (vs NHE) was achieved by Bi_0.5Fe_0.5VO₄/SCN (0.987 mA cm^–2) nanocomposite, and which is 16.73, 5.11, and 6.16 times higher than that of CN (0.059 mA cm^–2), BiVO₄ (0.193 mA cm^–2), and FeVO₄ (0.160 mA cm^–2), respectively. The XPS and photoelectrochemical (PEC) analysis depict the higher donor densities (ND) and excellent charge separations through type-II heterojunction of the Bi_xFe_1–xVO₄/SCN nanocomposite.

Rational synthesis of Bi_xFe_1−xVO₄ heterostructures impregnated sulfur-doped g-C₃N₄: A visible-light-driven type-II heterojunction photo(electro)catalyst for efficient photodegradation of roxarsone and photoelectrochemical OER reactions
Author：Balu, S., Chen, Y.-L., Chen, S.-W., Yang, T.C.-K.
Year：2022
Source publication：Applied Catalysis B: Environmental  Volume 304, May 2022, 120852
Subfield Highest percentage：99%    General Environmental Science    #1/220

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0926337321009772