Synthesis of BiOBr–graphene and BiOBr–graphene oxide nanocomposites with enhanced visible light photocatalytic performance

Two-dimensional (2D) coupling of BiOBr nanosheets with graphene (Ge) and graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets were synthesized by a simple and low-cost method at room temperature. The as-synthesized samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman Spectroscopy (Raman), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS) and nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherms. The photocatalytic activities of the obtained samples were evaluated not only by degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) in aqueous solution, but also towards removal of NO at the indoor air level under visible-light irradiation. The results showed that the photocatalytic activities of BiOBr–Ge and BiOBr–GO nanocomposites were significantly improved compared to the pure BiOBr. Furthermore, BiOBr–GO exhibited higher photoactivity than that of BiOBr–Ge.