Exploring the enhanced catalytic performance on nitro dyes via a novel template of flake-network Ni-Ti LDH/GO in-situ deposited with Ag3PO4 NPs

Abstract A novel catalyst composed of Ag3PO4 bridged by Ni/Ti LDH-graphene heterojunction structure was successfully prepared by a simple in-situ deposition method, which has excellent catalytic performance for 4-NP and 2-NA. Various characterizations to the samples such as XRD, SEM, TEM, STEM-EDS, XPS, TG–DSC, and UV–vis DRS were adopted. Because the ternary structure is mixed with each other to form more heterojunctions and higher specific surface area, the ternary composite Ag3PO4/Ni-Ti LDH/GO has excellent catalytic and cycle performance. Compared to the precursors Ag3PO4/GO and Ni-Ti LDH/GO, the finally as-obtained nanocomposite Ag3PO4/Ni-Ti LDH/GO degraded 4-NP and 2-NA solutions represented more dominant degradation efficiency. In addition, the pseudo-first-order rate constants of the composite catalyst for 4-NP and 2-NA are 0.178 min−1 and 0.089 min−1, respectively. The complex and irregular surfaces of Ni-Ti LDH/GO provided an ideal carrier with abundant active sites for in-situ depositing and stabilizing of Ag3PO4 NPs, formed the Ag3PO4/Ni-Ti LDH/GO hybrid possessed an acceptable catalytic performance on the degradation of azo dyes, which could be applied in the efficient treatment of wastewater from industries.