One-step preparation of RGO/Fe(3)O(4)–FeVO(4) nanocomposites as highly effective photocatalysts under natural sunlight illumination

The study used a one-step hydrothermal method to prepare Fe(3)O(4)–FeVO(4) and xRGO/Fe(3)O(4)–FeVO(4) nanocomposites. XRD, TEM, EDS, XPS, DRS, and PL techniques were used to examine the structurally and morphologically properties of the prepared samples. The XRD results appeared that the Fe(3)O(4)–FeVO(4) has a triclinic crystal structure. Under hydrothermal treatment, (GO) was effectively reduced to (RGO) as illustrated by XRD and XPS results. UV–Vis analysis revealed that the addition of RGO enhanced the absorption in the visible region and narrowed the band gap energy. The photoactivities of the prepared samples were evaluated by degrading methylene blue (MB), phenol and brilliant green under sunlight illumination. As indicated by all the nanocomposites, photocatalytic activity was higher than the pure Fe(3)O(4)–FeVO(4) photocatalyst, and the highest photodegradation efficiency of MB and phenol was shown by the 10%RGO/Fe(3)O(4)–FeVO(4). In addition, the study examined the mineralization (TOC), photodegradation process, and photocatalytic reaction kinetics of MB and phenol.