Synthesis and photocatalytic properties of visible-light-responsive, three-dimensional, flower-like La-TiO 2 /g-C 3 N 4 heterojunction composites.

We prepared a new three-dimensional, flower-like La-TiO 2 /g-C 3 N 4 (LaTiCN) heterojunction photocatalyst using a solvothermal method. Analysis and characterization were performed by conducting scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry, and nitrogen adsorption and desorption. The prepared g-C 3 N 4 nanosheets could reach 100 nm in size and covered the TiO 2 surface. A tightly bound interface formed between the g-C 3 N 4 and TiO 2 , speeding up the effective transfer of photo-induced electrons. In addition, the incorporation of La 3+ reduced the electron-hole recombination efficiency. Consequently, the prepared La-TiO 2 /g-C 3 N 4 composite material exhibited better visible-light catalytic activity than pure TiO 2 .