Enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity for g-C<Subscript>3</Subscript>N<Subscript>4</Subscript>/SnO<Subscript>2</Subscript>:Sb composites induced by Sb doping

In this paper, g-C₃N₄/SnO₂:Sb composite photocatalysts were fabricated by in situ loading Sb-doped SnO₂ (SnO₂:Sb) nanoparticles on graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) nanosheets via a facile hydrothermal method. The synthesized g-C₃N₄/SnO₂:Sb composites delivered enhanced visible light photocatalytic performance for degradation of rhodamine B in comparison with g-C₃N₄/SnO₂ composites without doping Sb. Various techniques including XRD, SEM, TEM, FTIR, XPS, PL and electrochemical method were employed to demonstrate the successful fabrication of g-C₃N₄/SnO₂:Sb composite and to investigate the enhanced mechanism of photocatalytic activity. The improvement of visible light absorption and the promotion of separation efficiency and interfacial transfer of photogenerated carriers induced by Sb doping were responsible for the enhancement of photocatalytic activity. This study provides a simple and convenient method to synthesize a visible light responsive catalyst with promising performance for the potential application in environmental protection.     

In-situ construction of 2D direct Z-scheme g-C<Subscript>3</Subscript>N<Subscript>4</Subscript>/g-C<Subscript>3</Subscript>N<Subscript>4</Subscript> homojunction with high photocatalytic activity

Constructing all-solid-state Z-scheme junction is a very effective strategy to design highly active photocatalysts for solar energy conversion and environmental purification. We herein firstly construct 2D g-C₃N₄/g-C₃N₄ Z-scheme homojunction by using a bottom-up approach, during which the supramolecular complex is initially formed, followed by a facile thermal polycondensation. Based on the active species trapping experiments, Mott–Schottky test and band edge position analysis, the prepared 2D nanosheet g-C₃N₄/g-C₃N₄ homojunctions are found to be Z-scheme type, different from those available reported ones with a type-II energy alignment. Benefiting from the specific 2D morphology with large exposed surface area and Z-scheme junction with efficient separation and high redox abilities of the photoinduced electrons and holes, the obtained 2D g-C₃N₄/g-C₃N₄ homojunctions are much more active than the conventional g-C₃N₄/g-C₃N₄ homojunction (CN-MT) and bulk g-C₃N₄ (CN-M) under visible light irradiation, validating by the high rhodamine degradation rate of 0.833 h^?1, which is about 3.9 and 15.4 times higher than that of CN-MT (0.214 h^?1) and CN-M (0.054 h^?1), respectively. The present work sheds light on design of novel Z-scheme photocatalysts with specific morphology and thus further application in the field of environment or energy.     

Efficient visible-light driven photocatalysts: coupling TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>(AB) nanotubes with g-C<Subscript>3</Subscript>N<Subscript>4</Subscript> nanoflakes

The wide application of the titanium dioxide (TiO₂) as the photocatalysts is greatly hindered by its intrinsic large band gap and usually fast electron–hole recombination. Here, we reported the exploration of coupling g-C₃N₄ nanoflakes to TiO₂ nanotubes with the anatase and TiO₂(B) mixed phases (TiO₂(AB)) toward the efficient visible-light-driven hybrid photocatalyst. It is found that coupling TiO₂(AB) nanotubes with g-C₃N₄ nanoflakes could bring a profoundly extension the visible light adsorption capacity and enhanced photogenerated carrier separation. Accordingly, they exhibit much higher efficient photocatalytic activities toward the degradation of sulforhodamine B under the visible light irradiation, which is enhanced for nearly 15 times to those of the TiO₂(AB) and g-C₃N₄, suggesting their promising practical applications as novel and efficient semiconductor photocatalysts for the water purification.     

In<Subscript>2</Subscript>S<Subscript>3</Subscript> nanoparticles dispersed on g-C<Subscript>3</Subscript>N<Subscript>4</Subscript> nanosheets: role of heterojunctions in photoinduced charge transfer and photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic performance

Fast recombination of photogenerated charge carriers is a major problem in the photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic processes. In this work, we report significantly improved PEC performance of a nanocomposite consists of In₂S₃ nanoparticles dispersed on g-C₃N₄ nanosheets synthesized by a simple and facile wet chemical route. The results of high-resolution TEM study show that the obtained In₂S₃ nanoparticles of size 10–20 nm exist in cubic phase and are uniformly dispersed on the surface of g-C₃N₄ nanosheets. The In₂S₃/g-C₃N₄ nanocomposite with 25 weight percentage of In₂S₃ exhibits 8.5 times higher photocurrent density than the single-phase g-C₃N₄ under visible light illumination. The enhanced photocurrent density exhibited by the In₂S₃/g-C₃N₄ nanocomposite is attributed to the efficient separation of photogenerated charge carriers. The charge transfer mechanism in In₂S₃/g-C₃N₄ heterojunction was studied by a series of experiments, such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, photoelectrochemical measurement and photoluminescence emission spectroscopy. The intimate interface promotes the charge transfer and inhibits the recombination rate of photogenerated electron–hole pairs, which significantly improves the photoelectrochemical performance. A detailed charge transfer mechanism is discussed based on the Mott–Schottky plot study. This heterojunction material is found to be an efficient photocatalyst for the degradation of both cationic rhodamine B dye and anionic methyl orange dye as the lifetime of photogenerated charge carriers is higher in the composite than in single-phase In₂S₃ and g-C₃N₄. A strong correlation between the photoelectrochemical and the photocatalytic performances is observed in this composite.     

Fly ash cenospheres as multifunctional supports of g-C3N4/N-TiO2 with enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity and adsorption

The ternary composites of g-C₃N₄/N-TiO₂/FACs (FAC: Fly Ash Cenospheres) were synthesized by an in-situ hydrolysis method to improve the photocatalytic activity and their stability. When TiO₂ was anchored on FAC, it was easily to be separated from the aqueous solution and could be repeatedly utilized. In the present experiments, the degradation rate remained for more than 68% even after the composite reused for seven times. The band gap of g-C₃N₄/N-TiO₂/FAC was 2.75?eV, which might be owing to the synergistic effect between N-TiO₂ and g-C₃N₄. The composite of g-C₃N₄/N-TiO₂/FAC had an ideal activity of 72.2% under visible light illumination for 180?min. It was about 1.3 times of N-TiO₂/FAC and 3.5 times of g-C₃N₄. The synergistic effect of SiO₂, Fe₂O₃ and TiO₂ components resulted to the improvement of photocatalytic performance.     

In-situ synthesis of CdS/g-C<Subscript>3</Subscript>N<Subscript>4</Subscript> hybrid nanocomposites with enhanced visible photocatalytic activity

A novel and simple in situ synthetic strategy was used to fabricate CdS/g-C₃N₄ hybrid nanocomposite catalysts with visible-light-driven photocatalytic activity from cadmium-containing carbon nitride compounds. X-ray diffraction measurements, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy images, and Fourier transform infrared spectra showed heterojunctions with a close interface between the g-C₃N₄ and the CdS nanoparticles and nanorods in the composite. Ultraviolet visible diffuse reflectance spectra exhibited a red shift that further presented the CdS in the polymer g-C₃N₄ skeleton, which allowed the efficient utilization of the solar spectrum for creating photogenerated electrons and holes. The photoluminescence spectra of the nanocomposites suggested charge transfer from g-C₃N₄ to CdS. The photocurrent intensity of hybrid nanocomposites was 2.3 times than that of pure g-C₃N₄ sample, and photocatalytic activity for the photodegradation of methyl orange was 2.5 times, and hydrogen evolution reaction was 2.8 times. Enhanced photocatalytic activity and photocurrent for the CdS/g-C₃N₄ hybrid nanocomposites were achieved.     

Novel Bi<Subscript>12</Subscript>TiO<Subscript>20</Subscript>/g-C<Subscript>3</Subscript>N<Subscript>4</Subscript> composite with enhanced photocatalytic performance through Z-scheme mechanism

Novel Bi₁₂TiO₂₀/g-C₃N₄ composite was successfully prepared with Bi₁₂TiO₂₀ nanoparticles embedded within the fluffy crumpled g-C₃N₄ nanosheets. Bi₁₂TiO₂₀/g-C₃N₄ composites exhibit superior photoactivity and stability. As compared with g-C₃N₄ and Bi₁₂TiO₂₀, the photocatalytic efficiency of Bi₁₂TiO₂₀/g-C₃N₄ is effectively enhanced about 1.8- and 4.9-fold, respectively. Based on the trapping experiment, ^·OH and ^·O₂^? radicals are the dominant reactive oxygen species involved in the photocatalytic process. The proposed Z-scheme mechanism of charge transfer markedly promotes the carriers’ migration and separation, leading to the enhanced photocatalytic performance.     

Preparation of a novel composite g-C3N4/TiO2/NiWO4 with enhanced photocatalytic activity toward the degradation of rhodamine B

A novel ternary heterojunction composite photocatalyst g-C₃N₄/TiO₂/NiWO₄ was fabricated using a simple hydrothermal method. The synthesized samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectrum (EDS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) absorption spectra, photoluminescence (PL) spectra, transient photocurrent responses, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopies (EIS). The results indicated that the composite of g-C₃N₄/TiO₂/NiWO₄ had been successfully synthesized. By constructing a ternary heterojunction, the electron migration rate and light absorption of the material are further improved; the photogenerated electron–hole recombination is inhibited. The ternary composite photocatalyst shows the highest photocatalytic activity for the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) than that of g-C₃N₄, TiO₂, NiWO₄, and g-C₃N₄/TiO₂ photocatalyst. The degradation efficiency of RhB using g-C₃N₄/TiO₂/NiWO₄ can reach 99% after visible-light irradiation for 40 min. Finally, the migration mechanism of charge carriers in the ternary system has been schematically illustrated by the active species capture experiment. Our research can pave the way for the fabrication of ternary heterojunction composite photocatalyst with high photocatalytic activity for the environmental contaminants treatment.

     

Cr<Superscript>3+</Superscript> activated Zn<Subscript>3</Subscript>Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>Ge<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>12</Subscript>: a novel near-infrared long persistent phosphor

The near-infrared (NIR) long persistent phosphors have gained considerable attention owing to the potential applications in in vivo imaging. A novel NIR long-persistent phosphors Zn₃Al₂Ge₃O₁₂:Cr³⁺ was successfully synthesized by a high temperature solid-state reaction. The luminescent properties and the afterglow behaviors of the Zn₃Al₂Ge₃O₁₂:Cr³⁺ were investigated in detail. On the basis of thermoluminescence analyses, the mechanism of the persistent afterglow of the phosphors was also discussed briefly. The afterglow duration of this phosphor can last more than 12 h with the 650–750 nm emission range after stoppage of 254 nm ultraviolet light irradiation. Specifically, the persistent luminescence intensity and duration were regulated by changing Cr³⁺ doping concentration. All the results indicate that the Cr³⁺ activated Zn₃Al₂Ge₃O₁₂ has promising potential of practical applications.     

Influence of Mn<Superscript>2+</Superscript> on the up-conversion emission performance of Mn<Superscript>2+</Superscript>, Yb<Superscript>3+</Superscript>, Er<Superscript>3+</Superscript>: ZnWO<Subscript>4</Subscript> green phosphors

The Mn²⁺, Yb³⁺, Er³⁺: ZnWO₄ green phosphors are synthesized successfully through the high temperature solid state reaction method. The micro-structure and morphology have been investigated by means of XRD and EDS. The doped concentrations of Mn²⁺, Yb³⁺, Er³⁺ are measured by ICP. The absorption spectra and emission spectra with different doped concentrations of Mn²⁺ are presented to reveal the influence of Mn²⁺ on the green up-conversion performance. Excited with 970 nm LED, the up-conversion emission peak at 547 nm is obtained and the CIE spectra as well as the green light photo are also presented. The results indicate that the Mn²⁺ ions play the role of the luminescence adjustment in the up-conversion process, which can improve the up-conversion green emission intensity effectively. The luminescence adjustment mechanism of Mn²⁺ ions in Mn²⁺, Yb³⁺, Er³⁺: ZnWO₄ green phosphors has been discussed. The crystal parameters of Dq, B and C are calculated to evaluate the energy level split effect.     

Multifunctional performance of gC<Subscript>3</Subscript>N<Subscript>4</Subscript>-BiFeO<Subscript>3</Subscript>-Cu<Subscript>2</Subscript>O hybrid nanocomposites for magnetic separable photocatalytic and antibacterial activity

Highly active gC₃N₄-BiFeO₃-Cu₂O nanocomposites were successfully prepared via a facile, cost effective and eco-friendly method of hydrothermally wet precipitation combined with ultrasonic dispersion process. The prepared samples were characterized by XRD, FTIR, HRSEM, EDS, TEM, UV–Vis DRS, PL, VSM, BET and electrochemical properties. By means of these analysis for examine the crystal phase, nanostructure, band gap and light-harvesting properties were carried out. UV-DRS spectra indicate that the bandgap of g-C₃N₄ (2.7 eV) reduced to 2.59 and 2.21 eV by mixed with corresponds to BiFeO₃ and BiFeO₃/Cu₂O nanomaterials. The ideal photocatalytic activity of the gC₃N₄-BiFeO₃-Cu₂O nanocomposites, where RhB dye under visible light irradiation which was up to 4.36 and 2.52 times as the higher photodegradation ability to compare pristine g-C₃N₄ and gC₃N₄-BiFeO₃ catalyst. The magnetization was confirmed by VSM studies, and hence, after the photocatalytic reaction, the magnetically separable catalyst can be quickly separated from the water by an external magnetic field. The superior photocatalytic performance is due to the synergistic effect on the interface of BiFeO₃/Cu₂O in the gC₃N₄-BiFeO₃-Cu₂O nanocomposites has reduced the bandgap which enables high separation efficiency of the charge carrier, suppressed recombination rate and their high surface area. Moreover, the chief gC₃N₄-BiFeO₃-Cu₂O catalyst can exhibited the lesser charge transfer resistance (impedance), enhances of photocurrent responses, whereas exposed to the development of photocatalytic appearance and more charge carrier ability. Also, the antibacterial activity of the gC₃N₄-BiFeO₃-Cu₂O nanocomposite has showing a well deactivation in both G⁺ (S. aureus) and G^? (E. coli) bacteria’s whereas compare to other prepared samples.     

TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>/g-C<Subscript>3</Subscript>N<Subscript>4</Subscript> heterojunctions: <Emphasis Type="Italic">In situ</Emphasis> fabrication mechanism and enhanced photocatalytic activity

In situ fabrication of TiO₂/g-C₃N₄ (TCN) heterojunctions was achieved by a modified sol-gel method. TG analysis was employed to determine the content of TiO₂ in TCN composites. XRD, FTIR, TEM and HRTEM were used to analyze the phase composition, functional groups, morphology and microstructure of as-obtained products, respectively. Based on the measurement of surface Zeta potential of g-C₃N₄, a possible mechanism on in situ fabrication of TCN heterojunctions was concluded. The control experiments indicated that TCN heterojunctions exhibited better photocatalytic performance than either TiO₂ or g-C₃N₄, suggesting that the enchanced photocatalytic activity could be realized by TCN heterojunctions. Then, the evaluation of parameters affecting the photocatalytic performance of TCN heterojunctions was investigated. Even after five cycles, TCN heterojunctions still maintained high photocatalytic activity, exhibiting the good photocatalytic stability. UV-vis absorption spectra showed that almost all MB molecules were decomposed in the photocatalytic process. Finally, the possible mechanism on enhanced photocatalytic performance of TCN heterojunctions was discussed.     

One-dimension carbon self-doping g-C<Subscript>3</Subscript>N<Subscript>4</Subscript> nanotubes: Synthesis and application in dye-sensitized solar cells

One-dimension carbon self-doping g-C₃N₄ nanotubes (CNT) with abundant communicating pores were synthesized via thermal polymerization of saturated or supersaturated urea inside the framework of a melamine sponge for the first time. A ～16% improvement in photoelectric conversion efficiency (η) is observed for the devices fabricated with a binary hybrid composite of the obtained CNT and TiO₂ compared to pure TiO₂ device. The result of EIS analysis reveals that the interfacial resistance of the TiO₂-dye|I₃^?/I^? electrolyte interface of TiO₂-CNT composite cell is much lower than that of pure TiO₂ cell. In addition, the TiO₂-CNT composite cell exhibits longer electron recombination time, shorter electron transport time, and higher charge collection efficiency than those of pure TiO₂ cell. Systematic investigations reveal that the CNT boosts the light harvesting ability of the photovoltaic devices by enhancing not only the visible light absorption but also the charge separation and transfer.

Open image in new window

     

Optical properties of Eu<Superscript>3+</Superscript> activated SrLa<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript> red-emitting phosphors for WLED applications

The SrLa_2?xO₄:xEu³⁺ phosphors are synthesized through high-temperature solid-state reaction method at 1473 K with various doping concentration. Their phase structures, absorption spectra, and luminescence properties are investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–Vis spectrophotometer and photoluminescence spectrometry. The intense absorption of SrLa_2?xO₄:xEu³⁺ phosphors have occurred around 400 nm. The prominent luminescence spectra of the prepared phosphors exhibited bright red emission at 626 nm. The doping concentration 0.12 mol% of Eu³⁺ is shown to be optimal for prominent red emission and chromaticity coordinates are x?=?0.692, y?=?0.3072. Considering the high colour purity and appropriate emission intensity of Eu³⁺ doped SrLa₂O₄ can be used as red phosphors for white light emitting diodes (WLEDs).     

Fabrication of Ag<Subscript>3</Subscript>PO<Subscript>4</Subscript>-AgBr-PTh composite loaded on Na<Subscript>2</Subscript>SiO<Subscript>3</Subscript> with enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity

A novel Ag₃PO₄-AgBr-PTh composite loaded on Na₂SiO₃ was synthesized for enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity. The photocatalytic activity of the samples was evaluated by photodegrading rhodamine B (RhB) under visible light irradiation. The main reactive species and possible photocatalytic mechanism were also discussed. As a result, the Ag₃PO₄-AgBr-PTh composite loaded on Na₂SiO₃ exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity for RhB compared with Ag₃PO₄ under visible-light irradiation. Additionally, it was demonstrated that the hole (h⁺) and superoxide radical (?O ₂ ^? ) were the major reactive species involving in the RhB degradation. PTh played vital role for the enhanced photocatalytic activity of Ag₃PO₄-AgBr-PTh-Na₂SiO₃ composite, which offered an electron transfer expressway and accelerated the transfer of the electrons from the CB of AgBr into Ag₃PO₄. This work could provide a new perspective for the synthesis of Ag₃PO₄-based composites and the improvement of photocatalytic activity of Ag₃PO₄.     

Facile preparation and enhanced photocatalytic H2-production activity of Cu(OH)2 nanospheres modified porous g-C3N4

A facile precipitation approach for the preparation of Cu(OH)₂/g-C₃N₄ composite photocatalysts with good porous structure was developed for the first time. The as-synthesized samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), ultraviolet–visible light (UV–vis) absorbance spectra, photoluminescence (PL) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). A photocatalytic water splitting reaction on the as-prepared photocatalysts were carried out under visible light irradiation. The results revealed that the prepared samples showed significantly enhanced photocatalytic activity. The optimal Cu(OH)₂ loading content was found to be 0.34 mol%, giving an H₂-production rate of 48.7 μmol h⁻¹ g⁻¹, which is higher 16.5 times than that of pure g-C₃N₄. This high photocatalytic H₂-production activity is attributed to the presence of Cu(OH)₂ clusters on the surface of the porous g-C₃N₄, which efficiently promotes the visible light absorption and separation of photogenerated electron–hole pairs.     

Synthesis,tunable luminescence and thermal stability of Mg<Subscript>2</Subscript>Al<Subscript>4</Subscript>Si<Subscript>5</Subscript>O<Subscript>18</Subscript>:Ce<Superscript>3+</Superscript>/Mn<Superscript>2+</Superscript> phosphors

Ce³⁺/Mn²⁺ singly doped and codoped Mg₂Al₄Si₅O₁₈ phosphors were synthesized by a solid state reaction. The phase, luminescent properties and thermal stability of the synthesized phosphors were investigated. Ce³⁺ and Mn²⁺ singly doped Mg₂Al₄Si₅O₁₈ phosphors show emission bands locating in blue and yellow–red regions, respectively. In Ce³⁺ and Mn²⁺ codoped Mg₂Al₄Si₅O₁₈, tunable luminescence was obtained because of the energy transfer from Ce³⁺ to Mn²⁺. In Mg₂Al₄Si₅O₁₈:Ce³⁺/Mn²⁺ phosphors with a fixed Ce³⁺ concentration, energy transfer efficiency increases with the increasing Mn²⁺ concentration, which is confirmed by the continually decreasing intensity and shortening decay time of Ce³⁺ emission. Moreover, the luminescent properties and thermal stability provide a great significance on the applications in the field of light emitting diodes.     

Synthesis and characterization of porous platelet-shaped α-Bi<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> with enhanced photocatalytic activity for 17α-ethynylestradiol

The porous platelet-shaped α-Bi₂O₃ photocatalyst was successfully synthesized by a novel hydrothermal–calcination method assisted with ethylenediamine and polyvinylpyrrolidone. The physical and chemical properties of α-Bi₂O₃ photocatalyst were characterized based on XRD, XPS, SEM, TEM, EDS, UV–Vis DRS, and PL techniques. The influence of preparation conditions on the formation of α-Bi₂O₃ photocatalyst was investigated, and the effect of catalyst dosage and pH value on the EE2 removal rate was also investigated. The synthesized porous platelet-shaped α-Bi₂O₃ photocatalyst exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity for 17α-ethynylestradiol (EE2), and 97.8% of EE2 was removed after 75 min of visible light irradiation using α-Bi₂O₃ as photocatalyst. The reaction rate constant over the porous platelet-shaped α-Bi₂O₃ photocatalyst was 11.6 and 11.4 times of that of traditional α-Bi₂O₃ and N-TiO₂, respectively. The possible photocatalytic mechanism has been discussed on the basis of the theoretical calculation and the experimental results. The porous platelet-shaped α-Bi₂O₃ was a stable and efficient photocatalyst, proving that it is a promising photocatalyst.     

Sn<Superscript>4+</Superscript> and La<Superscript>3+</Superscript> co doped TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> nanoparticles and their optical,photocatalytic and antibacterial properties under visible light

Sn⁴⁺ and La³⁺ co-doped TiO₂ photocatalytic material with nanoparticle structure have been successfully prepared using SnCl₂·2H₂O and La(NO₃)₃·6H₂O as precursors. Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and UV–visible spectroscopy have been used to for the characterization of the morphology, crystal structure, particle size and optical properties of the samples. The photocatalytic properties of sample with various amount of La doped TiO₂ have been studied by photo degradation of methyl orange (MO) in water under visible light. XRD patterns showed both rutile and anatase phases for 5 mol% of Sn and 5–10 mol% of La. But anatase phase with a little rutile phase was formed for 5 mol%Sn and 10 mol%La. The prepared Sn and La co doped TiO₂ photo-catalyst showed optical absorption edge in the visible light area and exhibited excellent photo-catalytic ability for degradation of MO solution under visible irradiation. Antibacterial behavior towards E. coli was then studied under visible irradiation. The synthesized T-5%Sn-10%La powder exhibited superior antibacterial activity under visible irradiation compared to the pure TiO₂.     

Facile synthesis of α-Fe<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>/diatomite composite for visible light assisted degradation of Rhodamine 6G in aqueous solution

α-Fe₂O₃ particle supported on diatomite (α-Fe₂O₃/diatomite composite) was prepared at room temperature by the chemical precipitation method using ferrous sulphate as the raw material and diatomite as supporter. α-Fe₂O₃/diatomite composite was characterized by XRD, FE-SEM, FT-IR and DRS. The result showed that α-Fe₂O₃ was uniformly loaded on the diatomite. The photocatalytic activity was investigated under visible light toward degradation of Rhodamine 6G aqueous solution and the effects of various experimental factors on Rhodamine 6G degradation were investigated. Compared with the α-Fe₂O₃, α-Fe₂O₃/diatomite composite had significantly enhanced activity in the degradation of Rhodamine 6G under visible light irradiation. Besides, the photostability of catalysts was also investigated. The experimental results indicated that the prepared composite is a promising material for the wastewater treatment for its good catalytic performance property and long-term stability.