Microwave‐Assisted Hydrothermal Synthesis of CeVO 4 /g‐C 3 N 4 Heterostructures for Environmental Remediation

The use of photocatalysis has gained scientific interest, particularly in environmental decontamination processes. However, efficient synthesis of photocatalyst using ecofriendly methods and achieving high efficiency remains a significant challenge. In this context, a systematic experimental study was carried out between cerium orthovanadate (CeVO 4 ) and graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C 3 N 4 ) to form efficient heterostructures. The photocatalyst was prepared by microwave‐assisted hydrothermal method, and experimental characterization techniques (XRD, FTIR and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopies) were performed to elucidate its structural order at short, medium, and long ranges. The stretching and bending modes of [VO 4 ] tetrahedrons and characteristic g‐C 3 N 4 vibrations were detected by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). Morphological analysis evaluated by FE‐SEM showed distinct morphologies due to the presence of both CeVO 4 and g‐C 3 N 4 particles. The CeVO 4 /g‐C 3 N 4 heterostructure synthesized at pH 4 demonstrated superior performance compared to the pristine CeVO 4 for photodegradation of Rhodamine B (53.2%), and the one synthesized at pH 9 for photodegradation of Methylene blue (85.9%), using solar simulated light. Scavenger tests revealed that hydroxyl radicals (•OH) are the primary oxidative species, as confirmed by quenching experiments with tert‐butyl alcohol. Furthermore, the catalysts exhibited high stability and recyclability over three consecutive cycles, maintaining consistent photocatalytic activity.