Fabrication of 3D CeVO 4 /graphene aerogels with efficient visible-light photocatalytic activity

Abstract Hybrid 3-dimensional (3D) structures that were composed of CeVO 4 particles and graphene aerogels were fabricated by the electrostatic-driven self-assembly method. The as-prepared products were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectra, field-emission scanning electron microscope and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The results showed that graphene nanosheets loading with CeVO 4 particles self-assembled into a well-defined and interconnected 3D porous network through strong van der Waals and π–π interactions. Benefited from the incorporation of CeVO 4 particles into graphene nanosheets in such a unique structure, hybrid aerogels exhibited higher photodegradation efficiency toward methylene blue (MB) than that over pure CeVO 4 photocatalyst. It is proposed that the efficient physical adsorption of dye molecules and enhanced charge transfer in the composite is account for the improved photocatalytic activity. These findings open a new pathway for the design and fabrication of such functional graphene-based aerogels in water purification and advanced treatment.