Synthesis of graphene oxide-BiPO4 composites with enhanced photocatalytic properties

Graphene has attracted considerable attention for developing highly efficient photocatalysts due to its unique two dimensional structure and extraordinary physicochemical properties. In this paper, we demonstrate a facile two-phase self-assembly approach for the synthesis of graphene oxide (GO)-BiPO4 nanocomposites. The as-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectra, UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra and Fourier transform infrared spectra. The significantly enhanced photocatalytic activity of the GO-BiPO4 nanocomposites in comparison with bare BiPO4 nanoparticles was revealed by the degradation of methylene blue under simulated sunlight irradiation, which can be attributed to the improved separation of electron–hole pairs. This facile method could be extended to design other graphene-based photocatalysts for environment and energy applications.