Preparation of Helical BiVO4/Ag/C3N4 for Selective Oxidation of C–H Bond under Visible Light Irradiation

The activation of C–H bonds is an efficient approach for the production of value-added organics. The partial oxidation of hydrocarbons to oxygen-containing products at mild conditions is a profound challenge because the products are often more active than the substrates. In this context, a novel helical structure of monoclinic scheelite bismuth vanadate (BiVO 4 ) on the top of the silver (Ag) and amorphous carbon nitride (C 3 N 4 ) was prepared for the first time and used as an efficient photocatalyst for selective oxidation of low hydrocarbons at room temperature. Benefited from its unique structural features, the helical BiVO 4 /Ag/C 3 N 4 exhibits outstanding light absorption ability, efficient separation of photogenerated charge carriers, and high exposure of active sites. Using O 2 as an oxidant, the helical BiVO 4 /Ag/C 3 N 4 achieved high selectivity in the oxidation of different alkanes into the corresponding ketones or aldehydes (nearly 100% selectivity) at room temperature under visible light irradiation. This work not only discloses a facile method for the preparation of the helical composite but also provides an efficient way for the generation of value-added organics from low hydrocarbons at mild conditions.