Construction of novel ternary Au/LaFeO3/Cu2O composite photocatalysts for RhB degradation via photo-Fenton catalysis

By immobilising LaFeO3 and Au nanoparticles on the surface of Cu2O polyhedral microspheres, we have prepared novel binary LaFeO3/Cu2O and ternary Au/LaFeO3/Cu2O composite photocatalysts. The as-fabricated composites were systematically investigated by using various characterisation techniques. Photocurrent response and EIS measurements suggest that the composite photocatalysts exhibit an electron/hole pair separation more efficient than bare LaFeO3 and Cu2O. The photocatalysis and photo-Fenton degradation experiments were carried out by removing RhB from water under simulated sunlight irradiation. The composite photocatalysts are demonstrated to have superior photocatalysis/photo-Fenton degradation performances to bare LaFeO3 and Cu2O. 20%LaFeO3/Cu2O is determined to be the optimal binary composite photocatalyst. Moreover, the decoration of Au nanoparticles onto the 20%LaFeO3/Cu2O composite can further improve the photocatalysis/photo-Fenton degradation performance. The enhanced photocatalysis and photo-Fenton decomposition mechanisms for the ternary Au/LaFeO3/Cu2O composites were investigated and discussed on the based of the Z-scheme electron transfer process, LSPR of Au nanoparticles and photo-Fenton synergistic effect.