Constructing a novel p-n heterojunction photocatalyst LaFeO3/g-C3N4 with enhanced visible-light-driven photocatalytic activity

An n-type g-C3N4 modified with p-type LaFeO3, was fabricated to from a novel LaFeO3/g-C3N4 p-n heterostructure for the highly effective photocatalytic degradation of RhB. The photocatalytic activity of LaFeO3/g-C3N4 was 19.1 times higher than that of pristine LaFeO3 under visible light irradiation, and LaFeO3/g-C3N4 heterojunction retained excellent stability after four recycles. The improved photo catalytic performance of LaFeO3/g-C3N4 heterostructure can be assigned to the enhanced absorption in the visible light region and low recombination rate of the electron-hole pairs, which was confirmed by the results of photocurrent, EIS and OCP. Moreover, based on the p-n heterojunction between LaFeO3 and g-C3N4, the photocatalytic mechanism of the LaFeO3/g-C3N4 hybrid was discussed and the possible electrons/holes transfer and separation process was also proposed. This study shows a novel p-n heterojunction structure that could provide a scientific basis for the design of efficient photocatalysts. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.