V<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub> Nanorod-Loaded g-C<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub> Sheets for Efficient Photocatalytic Removal of NO and Minimal NO<sub>2</sub> Yield under Visible Light
Viet Van Pham, Hong Huy Tran, Cao Minh Thi
Abstract
Air pollution, stemming from nitrogen oxides, severely threatens human health and our environment. Although significant progress has been made with g-C 3 N 4 -based photocatalytic materials, an effective strategy to suppress the high generation of toxic NO 2 and rapid recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes remains limited. Here, we show a V 2 O 5 nanorod-loaded g-C 3 N 4 sheet nanocomposite photocatalyst prepared through a straightforward and cost-effective mechanical mixing approach. Our proposed nanocomposite photocatalysts excel at eliminating NO under visible light exposure while generating a strikingly low level of NO 2 . This impressive performance is attributed to the widened band gap of g-C 3 N 4 and the amplified optical properties achieved by pairing with photoactive V 2 O 5 . We also shed light on the underlying photocatalytic mechanism and pinpoint key influencing factors. With excellent availability and recyclability, this V 2 O 5 nanorod-loaded g-C 3 N 4 sheet nanocomposite photocatalyst offers substantial practical applicability, promising a brighter future in the fight against air pollution and creating a cleaner, healthier environment.