Graphene like BN/BiOBr composite: synthesis via a reactable ionic liquid and enhanced visible light photocatalytic performance
Herein, novel graphene like BN/BiOBr composite was prepared through a facile solvothermal method in the presence of reactable ionic liquid [C16mim]Br. The structure and morphology of the as prepared samples were investigated by X ray diffraction (XRD) Transmission electron microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X ray spectrometry, UV vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectra and photoluminescence (PL) The photocatalytic activity was evaluated by the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) aqueous solution under visible light irradiation. Results showed that the 0.05 wt% BN/BiOBr composite catalysts exhibit higher photoactivity than pure BiOBr. The enhanced photocatalytic activity was attributed to the efficient separation of the photogenerated electron hole pairs of the composites which was confirmed by the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, photocurrent and PL analysis. Meanwhile, the main active species of BN/BiOBr during the photocatalysis process were determined to be holes (h+