Construction of novel ternary Au/LaFeO<sub>3</sub>/Cu<sub>2</sub>O composite photocatalysts for RhB degradation via photo-Fenton catalysis
Sitao Guan, Ruishan Li, Xiaofeng Sun, Tao Xian, Hua Yang
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.