Construction of novel ternary Au/LaFeO₃/Cu₂O composite photocatalysts for RhB degradation via photo-Fenton catalysis

ABSTRACT

By immobilising LaFeO₃ and Au nanoparticles on the surface of Cu₂O polyhedral microspheres, we have prepared novel binary LaFeO₃/Cu₂O and ternary Au/LaFeO₃/Cu₂O composite photocatalysts. The as-fabricated composites were systematically investigated by using various characterisation techniques. Photocurrent response and EIS measurements suggest that the composite photocatalysts exhibit an electron/hole pair separation more efficient than bare LaFeO₃ and Cu₂O. The photocatalysis and photo-Fenton degradation experiments were carried out by removing RhB from water under simulated sunlight irradiation. The composite photocatalysts are demonstrated to have superior photocatalysis/photo-Fenton degradation performances to bare LaFeO₃ and Cu₂O. 20%LaFeO₃/Cu₂O is determined to be the optimal binary composite photocatalyst. Moreover, the decoration of Au nanoparticles onto the 20%LaFeO₃/Cu₂O composite can further improve the photocatalysis/photo-Fenton degradation performance. The enhanced photocatalysis and photo-Fenton decomposition mechanisms for the ternary Au/LaFeO₃/Cu₂O composites were investigated and discussed on the based of the Z-scheme electron transfer process, LSPR of Au nanoparticles and photo-Fenton synergistic effect.

KEYWORDS:

• Cu₂O polyhedral microspheres
• LaFeO₃ nanoparticles
• Au nanoparticles
• Au/LaFeO₃/Cu₂O composites
• photo-Fenton degradation

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grant No. 51662027].