Synthesis of GO–AgIO4 nanocomposites with enhanced photocatalytic efficiency in the degradation of organic pollutants

Abstract

Graphene oxide (GO)–AgIO₄ nanocomposites with excellent photocatalytic performance have been prepared through a facile ion-exchange method. The as-prepared samples are characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The GO–AgIO₄ nanocomposites exhibit an enhanced photocatalytic activity in the degradation of organic pollutants as compared to bare AgIO₄. It is revealed that the introduction of GO can relieve the agglomeration of AgIO₄ particles, enhance the light absorption of the materials, and promote the separation of photoexcited electron–hole pairs. In addition, the possible transfer and separation behaviors of the charge carriers and the photocatalytic mechanism are discussed in detail. The excellent photocatalytic performance makes the GO–AgIO₄ nanocomposites a promising photocatalyst for organic pollutant treatment.