One-step synthesis of Bi/CeVO4/Cu4O3 nanocomposite by hydrothermal method and investigation of its photocatalytic performance in desulfurization of dibenzothiophene

In this research, for the first time, Bi/CeVO4/Cu4O3 nanocomposite was synthesized through a one-step hydrothermal method using hydrazine as both hydroxide ion production agent and reducing agent to produce bismuth metal. XRD, EDS, DRS, and FESEM analyzes were used to characterize the product. According to the analysis results, cerium vanadate and copper oxide nanostructures were formed on bismuth microstructures. Then, the photocatalytic performance of the as-synthesized products in the desulfurization of dibenzothiophene was evaluated under visible light irradiation for one hour. The desulfurization efficiency for the as-synthesized nanocomposite under visible light irradiation for one hour was about 88%, which is a favorable result. Also, by using Bi/CeVO4 nanocomposite, a desulfurization value of 75% was obtained, which shows the effect of copper on the ability of nanocomposite. In fact, Cu4O3 significantly improves the photocatalytic efficiency of Bi/CeVO4 by increasing the amount of light absorption, synergy in electron-hole production, and reducing the recombination rate.