Preparation and photocatalytic activity characterization of activated carbon fiber–BiVO4 composites

Herein, we describe the hydrothermal immobilization of BiVO4 on activated carbon fibers (ACFs) and characterize the obtained composite by several instrumental techniques, using Reactive Black KN-B (RB5) as a model pollutant for photocatalytic performance evaluation and establishing the experimental conditions yielding maximal photocatalytic activity. The photocatalytic degradation of RB5 is well fitted by a first-order kinetic model, and the good cycling stability and durability of BiVO4@ACFs highlight the potential applicability of the proposed composite. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of BiVO4@ACFs compared to those of BiVO4 and ACFs individually was mechanistically rationalized, and the suggested mechanism was verified by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and RB5 degradation experiments. Thus, this work contributes to the development of BiVO4@ACF composites as effective photocatalysts for environmental remediation applications.