Preparation of Dual Z-scheme Bi2MoO6/ZnSnO3/ZnO Heterostructure Photocatalyst for Efficient Visible Light Degradation of Organic Pollutants

In this study, a double Z-type Bi₂MoO₆/ZnSnO₃/ZnO heterostructure photocatalyst was prepared by hydrothermal method to realize effective charge separation and improve photocatalytic activity. The synthesized samples were carefully examined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, photoluminescence (PL), and other analytical techniques. Meanwhile, the photocatalytic performance was further evaluated by multi-mode photocatalytic degradation with crystal violet (CV). The results show that the composite material has a relatively homogeneous cubic structure in size and shape. In the cubic structure, a heterogeneous structure exists between Bi₂MoO₆, ZnSnO₃ and ZnO. Simultaneously, the dramatic changes in physical morphology, such as the specific surface area and particle size of the composites, led to a series of unique properties, such as a significant climb in light absorption properties and superior photocatalytic activity. In addition, compared to ZnO, Bi₂MoO₆ and ZnSnO₃/ZnO, the Bi₂MoO₆/ZnSnO₃/ZnO composite material shows lower PL intensity, smaller arc radius, and stronger photocurrent response. Meanwhile, Bi₂MoO₆/ZnSnO₃/ZnO shows higher photocatalytic efficiency for CV and tetracycline hydrochloride (TC), and maintains good stability after 3 cycles of photodegradation experiments. Based on experimental results, the existence of heterojunctions between ZnO, ZnSnO₃ and Bi₂MoO₆ and the possible photocatalytic mechanism for the degradation of CV by dual Z-scheme composites are proposed. In conclusion, this study provides a feasible strategy for the photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants by introducing ZnSnO₃ and Bi₂MoO₆ to successfully construct composite catalysts with dual Z-scheme heterostructures.

     

Development of mesoporous Bi2WO6/g-C3N4 heterojunctions via soft- and hard-template-assisted procedures for accelerated and reinforced photocatalytic reduction of mercuric cations under vis light irradiation

In this study, mesoporous Bi₂WO₆/g-C₃N₄ heterojunctions were developed using soft and hard templates [triblock copolymer surfactant (F127) and mesoporous silica (MCM-41), respectively]. The performance of the developed heterojunctions was assessed through the photocatalytic reduction of mercuric cations under Vis light illumination, with HCOOH being adopted to provide sacrificial holes agent. Surface measurements demonstrated that the fabricated specimens acquired large specific surface areas when compared with the neat ingredient. Furthermore, a transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis of the developed heterojunctions showed the homogeneous distribution of the spherical Bi₂WO₆ nanoparticles (NPs) on the surface of g-C₃N₄ nanosheets. Meanwhile, an accelerated rate (700 μ·mol·g^?1·h^?1) of photocatalytic mercuric cation reduction with improved efficiency (approximately 100%), compared with those of the pure ingredients [rate of 55 μ·mol·g^?1·h^?1 and efficiency of 13% for g-C₃N₄ nanosheets; rate of 95 μ·mol·g^?1·h^?1 and efficiency of 20% for mesoporous Bi₂WO₆ NPs], was accomplished via testing of the Bi₂WO₆/g-C₃N₄ heterojunction comprising 4 wt% Bi₂WO₆ after 40 min of illumination. Evidently, the efficiency of the photocatalytic reduction of mercuric cations endorsing the Bi₂WO₆/g-C₃N₄ heterojunction comprising 4 wt% Bi₂WO₆ NPs is 7.7 and 5 times more when compared with those of the neat g-C₃N₄ nanosheets and mesoporous Bi₂WO₆ NPs, respectively. The improved performance of the fabricated heterojunctions in the photocatalytic reduction of mercuric cations could be ascribed to i) fast diffusion of the mercuric cations through the mesoporous texture to the active ensembles, ii) greater specific surface area, iii) limited bandgap magnitude, iv) homogenous dispersion of the Bi₂WO₆ NPs on the surface of the nanosheets, and v) finite particle dimension of the mesoporous Bi₂WO₆ NPs. The durability and stability of the Bi₂WO₆/g-C₃N₄ heterojunctions were confirmed via their recyclability, which was maintained for up to five runs without pronounced activity loss.     

Enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution over TiO2/g-C3N4 2D heterojunction coupled with plasmon Ag nanoparticles

2D heterojunction based on g-C₃N₄ nanosheets with other semiconductor nanosheets is a promising way to improve photocatalytic hydrogen evolution (PHE) activity over g-C₃N₄. However, current 2D heterojunction based on g-C₃N₄ are unsatisfactory due to their insufficient absorption of visible light and inefficient charge separation. In this work, Ag/TiO₂/g-C₃N₄ nanocomposites based on 2D heterojunction coupling with Ag surface plasmon resonance (SPR) were synthesized by a method combining facile wetness impregnation calcination. The PHE activity of Ag/TiO₂/g-C₃N₄ nanocomposites is attributed to the TiO₂/g-C₃N₄ 2D heterojunction and bare g-C₃N₄ nanosheet under visible light irradiation, indicating a cooperative effect between Ag and TiO₂/g-C₃N₄ 2D heterojunction. As a result of SPR effect, the composites strongly absorb visible light. In addition, the oscillating hot electrons from Ag can easily transfer to 2D heterojunction. This synergistic effect lead to sufficient visible light absorption and efficient charge separation of 2D heterojunction, which improved the PHE activity of g-C₃N₄. This work indicates that loading metal nanoparticles on 2D heterojunction as metal SPR-2D heterojunction nanocomposites may be a potential method for harvesting visible light for PHE.     

Construction of g-C3N4/TiO2/Ag composites with enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity and antibacterial properties

In this study, the multifunctional carbon nitride based composite graphitic-C₃N₄ (g-C₃N₄)/TiO₂/Ag was prepared through a simple and efficient vacuum freeze-drying route. TiO₂ and Ag nanoparticles were demonstrated to decorate onto the surface of g-C₃N₄ sheet. In the ultraviolet–visible absorption test, a narrower band gap and red-shift of light absorption edge were observed for g-C₃N₄/TiO₂/Ag compared to pristine g-C₃N₄ and single-component modified g-C₃N₄/TiO₂. The photodegradation property of g-C₃N₄/TiO₂/Ag was investigated toward the degradation of methylene blue (abbreviated as MB) under the irradiation of visible light. These results indicated that the degradation performance of organic dyes for g-C₃N₄/TiO₂/Ag was obviously improved compared with g-C₃N₄/TiO₂ and g-C₃N₄. The reaction rate constant of MB degradation for g-C₃N₄/TiO₂/Ag was 4.24 times higher than that of pristine g-C₃N₄. In addition, such rationally constructed nanocomposite presented evidently enhanced antibacterial performance against the Gram-negative Escherichia coli. Concentration dependent antibacterial performance was systematically investigated. And 84% bacterial cell viability loss had been observed at 500 μg/mL g-C₃N₄/TiO₂/Ag within 2 h visible light irradiation.     

Rice spike-like g-C3N4/TiO2 heterojunctions with tight-binding interface by using sodium titanate ultralong nanotube as precursor and template

A novel rice spike-like g-C₃N₄/TiO₂ nanowire heterojunctions are fabricated by hydrothermal treating Na₂Ti₃O₇ ultralong nanotubes in the presence of g-C₃N₄. The presence of g-C₃N₄ promotes the hydrolysis of Na₂Ti₃O₇ ultralong nanotubes. The partially replaced O of TiO₂ by N from g-C₃N₄ leads to the formation of a tight-binding interface between one dimensional TiO₂ and two dimensional g-C₃N₄, which is crucial for fast and effective transfer of photogenerated electrons in heterostructured photocatalysts. As a result, the g-C₃N₄/TiO₂ nanowire heterojunctions exhibit excellent visible-light photocatalytic activity. The kinetic constant (k) of g-C₃N₄/TiO₂ (0.024?min^?1) for degradation of methylene blue under visible light irradiation is 1.85 and 4 times than that of pure g-C₃N₄ and P25, respectively.     

Ionic liquid-assisted preparation of g-C3N4/RGO co-intercalated CuBi2O4 hierarchical nanoflower and enhancement of the photocatalytic activity

A new p-n type CBO/CN/RGO ternary heterojunction photocatalyst combining three-dimensional multi-stage rosette CuBi₂O₄ and two-dimensional g-C₃N₄ and RGO flakes was successfully prepared by ionic liquid-assisted hydrothermal method. The successful construction of p-n heterojunctions of CBO/CN/RGO composites was verified by means of UV–vis diffuse reflection, Mott Schottky curves and TEM, and construction the heterojunctions significantly improved that of the transfer and transport speed of photogenerated carriers. The photocatalytic degradation of MO by CBO/CN/RGO-6% reached 91.83% within 150 min, while the kinetic constants of degradation k were 9.7 and 7.9 times greater than those of single-phase CBO and g-C₃N₄, respectively. Three cycles of experiments demonstrated that the degradation efficiency of CBO/CN/RGO-6% composites remained above 88% for RhB, which fully proved that the CBO/CN/RGO-6% composites possessed good chemical stability. Based on its excellent photocatalytic performance and good stability, CBO/CN/RGO-6% is expected to be the preferred material for environmental wastewater treatment.     

Synthesis of g-C3N4/Nb2O5 heterostructures and their application in the removal of organic pollutants under visible and ultraviolet irradiation

This paper describes the synthesis of a new series of g-C₃N₄/Nb₂O₅ heterostructures and their application in the removal of organic pollutants from water, as a combined strategy of photocatalysis and adsorption processes. The heterostructures were synthesized at different weight ratios through thermal oxidation and hydrothermal treatment, leading to an uniform assembly of Nb₂O₅ nanoparticles onto g-C₃N₄ surface. The heterostructures exhibited improved textural and electronic properties (narrowing in band gap) when compared to pure g-C₃N₄ and Nb₂O₅, respectively. Although adsorption capacities were shown to be influenced by Nb₂O₅ content, g-C₃N₄ was essential to increase the photocatalytic response of the g-C₃N₄/Nb₂O₅ heterostructures, which displayed an enhancement of photocatalytic performance on the degradation of methylene blue and rhodamine B dyes under visible and ultraviolet irradiation. The enhanced photoactivity was explained by the increase in the lifetime of the charge carries due to formation of heterojunctions between Nb₂O₅ and g-C₃N₄. A mechanistic investigation on the photocatalytic process was conducted by using different reactive scavenger species. The superoxide (O₂^−•) radical was found to be the main active specie on the dye photodegradation activated by visible radiation.     

Sonochemical preparation and photocatalytic properties of CdS QDs /Bi2WO6 3D heterojunction

Hierarchical CdS quantum dots (QDs)/ Bi₂WO₆ three-dimensional (3D) heterojunction photocatalyst was successfully synthesized by a facile green ultrasonic method for the first time. Photocatalytic activities under visible light irradiation were tested by the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) and tetracycline hydrochloride (TC), and the reduction of Cr(VI) in aqueous solution. As compared to pure CdS and Bi₂WO₆, CdS QDs/ Bi₂WO₆ heterojunctions manifested a significantly enhanced photocatalytic activity for these treatments. When the effect of the mass ratio of CdS QDs to Bi₂WO₆ was investigated, 3% CdS QDs/ Bi₂WO₆ heterojunction showed the highest photocatalytic efficiency: the efficiency for RhB degradation was 94.5% for 30?min and this value was about 6 times and 1.5 times higher than those of pure Bi₂WO₆ and CdS QDs. This enhancement was majorly accredited to the synergetic effect between Bi₂WO₆ and CdS QDs, which included intimate contact and matched band gap potentials between 0D CdS QDs and 3D Bi₂WO₆, which contributed to the efficient electron-hole separation and fast transfer of charge carriers between CdS QDs and Bi₂WO₆. A possible Z-scheme photocatalytic mechanism was proposed, in which the sample was provided with the efficient charge transfer pathway and was endowed with excellent oxidation and reduction ability.     

In situ synthesis of Bi2O3/Bi2MoO6 heterostructured microspheres for efficiently removal of acid orange 7

Flower-like Bi₂O₃/Bi₂MoO₆ heterostructured microspheres with excellent photocatalytic performance were successfully constructed by in situ ion exchange and calcination, employing Bi₂MoO₆ microspheres prepared by solvothermal method as raw material and template. Various characterization techniques including XRD, FE-SEM, EDS, UV–vis DRS and XPS have been adopted to analyze the composition, structure and optical absorption property of the obtained sample. Their photocatalytic properties for degrading acid orange 7 (AO7) were investigated with visible light. Experimental results show that all Bi₂O₃/Bi₂MoO₆ composites have a higher catalytic activities than pure Bi₂MoO₆. Remarkably, 0.2Bi₂O₃/Bi₂MoO₆ show best activity and the degradation efficiency is up to 99% under visible light for 100?min, which is ascribed to the synergistic effect and big heterojunction interface, and promoting rapid transmission of photogenerated charge. Moreover, There is negligible reduction on the degradation efficiency after catalysts was reused for 4 times. The photogenerated holes (h⁺) and superoxide radical anions (?O₂^-) were major active species by radical scavenger experiments. A possible mechanism is proposed to explain rationally enhancement of photocatalytic activity.     

Enhanced interfacial electronic transfer of BiVO4 coupled with 2D g-C3N4 for visible-light photocatalytic performance

A BiVO₄/2D g-C₃N₄ direct dual semiconductor photocatalytic system has been fabricated via electrostatic self-assembly method of BiVO₄ microparticle and g-C₃N₄ nanosheet. According to experimental measurements and first-principle calculations, the formation of built-in electric field and the opposite band bending around the interface region in BiVO₄/2D g-C₃N₄ as well as the intimate contact between BiVO₄ and 2D g-C₃N₄ will lead to high separation efficiency of charge carriers. More importantly, the intensity of bulid-in electric field is greatly enhanced due to the ultrathin nanosheet structure of 2D g-C₃N₄. As a result, BiVO₄/2D g-C₃N₄ exhibits excellent photocatalytic performance with the 93.0% Rhodamine B (RhB) removal after 40 min visible light irradiation, and the photocatalytic reaction rate is about 22.7 and 10.3 times as high as that of BiVO₄ and 2D g-C₃N₄, respectively. In addition, BiVO₄/2D g-C₃N₄ also displays enhanced photocatalytic performance in the degradation of tetracycline (TC). It is expected that this work may provide insights into the understanding the significant role of built-in electric field in heterostructure and fabricating highly efficient direct dual semiconductor systems.     

Controlled synthesis of graphitic carbon nitride/beta bismuth oxide composite and its high visible-light photocatalytic activity

g-C₃N₄/β-Bi₂O₃ composites with high visible-light-driven photocatalytic activity were prepared through calcination of g-C₃N₄/Bi₂O₂CO₃ of different proportions. They were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Translation infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy TEM (high resolution transmission electron microscopy HRTEM), UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra (UV–vis DRS) and photoluminescence spectra (PL) techniques. It was observed that the phase structure of Bi₂O₃ is subject to the amount of g-C₃N₄ in the g-C₃N₄/Bi₂O₂CO₃ precursor. Based on the results of light absorption and photocurrent measurement as well as the energy levels of β-Bi₂O₃ and g-C₃N₄, we propose a mechanism for the degradation of organic compounds over this class of catalysts.     

Constructing 0D/2D Z-Scheme Heterojunction of CdS/g-C3N4 with Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity for H2 Evolution

0D/2D Pt-C₃N₄/CdS heterojunction photocatalyst were fabricated with CdS quantum dots interspersed on g-C₃N₄ nanosheets via successive ionic layer absorption process. The obtained Pt-C₃N₄/CdS Z-scheme heterojunction with Pt cocatalyst deposited on g-C₃N₄ nanosheets exhibited H₂ production rate of 35.3 mmol g^?1 h^?1, which is 3.1 times higher than that of Pt-CdS/C₃N₄. The enhanced photocatalytic activity are attributed to the Z-scheme charge carrier transfer mechanism with stronger redox ability. The photocatalytic mechanism of the CdS/g-C₃N₄ composite is investigated and demonstrated in this work. It may provide unique insights to design 0D/2D Z-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst systems using a facile method for highly efficient H₂ production.

Graphic Abstract

Schematic illustration of charge transfer modulated by the metal cocatalyst selective deposition on heterojunction-type II (a) and direct Z-Scheme mechanisms (b) over the C₃N₄/CdS heterostructure composites under visible light irradiation.

     

Addition of g-C3N4 to ZnO and ZnFe2O4 to improve photocatalytic degradation of emerging organic pollutants

The use of heterojunctions with different semiconductors has shown to be an important strategy to increase the efficiency of heterogeneous photocatalytic processes. In this regard, heterojunctions consisting of ZnO/g-C₃N₄ (x-Zn/gCN) and ZnFe₂O₄/g-C₃N₄ (x-ZF/gCN) were synthesized in different mass proportions of g-C₃N₄ (x = 10, 50 and 80%) through the following simple methods combination: mixture, sonication and thermal treatment. Observations from X-ray diffractometry (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectra (FTIR) and field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) analyses confirmed that the materials were successfully formed. The g-C₃N₄ incorporation was important in the textural and optical properties modification of the heterojunctions produced. In addition, in the photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL), it was possible to observe g-C₃N₄ influence in the 50-Zn/gCN emission profile changing, reducing the direct recombination rate of the photogenerated charges due to a probable Z-scheme mechanism. This catalyst demonstrated greater efficiency of photocatalytic degradation when compared to the remaining materials, both for cefazolin (CFZ) and reactive black 5 (RB5), reaching 78% and 95%, respectively, after 120 min. Moreover, it also revealed good photostability after five successive cycles. 50-Zn/gCN heterojunction presents a promising character in photocatalytic reactions mediated by solar light for contaminants degradation such as pharmaceutical products and dyes and can be used as an alternative to minimize the effects of water pollution caused during the COVID-19 pandemic.     

Efficient photocatalytic hydrogen production using an NH4TiOF3/TiO2/g-C3N4 composite with a 3D camellia-like Z-scheme heterojunction structure

Photocatalysis is one of the most promising ways to realize artificial photosynthesis. The biologically inspired photocatalysts with 3D flower-like structures have attracted much attention. In this study, an effective method for the synthesis of composite photocatalytic material, NH₄TiOF₃/TiO₂/g-C₃N₄, with a 3D camellia-like structure, was developed. The 3D hierarchical structure of the composite material enabled multiple refractions and reflections of light within the catalyst, which greatly improved the efficiency of the sunlight harvesting. The combination of NH₄TiOF₃ and TiO₂ also effectively reduced the electron-hole recombination in the g-C₃N₄. To evaluate its photocatalytic performance, the prepared nanostructured composite materials were tested for the water-splitting with simulated sunlight. It showed the hydrogen evolution at the rate of 3.6 mmol/g/h, which is 4.0 times faster than that from the pure g-C₃N₄. The composite materials exhibited excellent cycling stability. The detailed mechanism of the Z-scheme heterojunction was also discussed. The proposed synthesis route for the creation of 3D flower-like hierarchical composites provides a new effective technique for developing efficient, active, and stable composite photocatalysts for hydrogen production.     

Enhanced photocatalytic activity of g-C3N4 2D nanosheets through thermal exfoliation using dicyandiamide as precursor

g-C₃N₄ has received extensive attention because of its good chemical stability and environmental friendliness. Since g-C₃N₄ prepared from various precursors had different photocatalytic activities, g-C₃N₄ materials marked as U-gCN, D-gCN and M-gCN were synthesized from various precursors of urea, dicyandiamide and melamine, respectively. The D-gCN and M-gCN with smaller surface area were heated again to obtain exfoliated g-C₃N₄ with 2D nanosheet morphology and larger specific surface area named D-gCN-L and M-gCN-L, respectively. The synthesized bulk g-C₃N₄ and g-C₃N₄ 2D nanosheets were characterized by XRD, SEM, BET, PL, UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, XPS, zeta potential and TG. The photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) was carried out on U-gCN, D-gCN, M-gCN, D-gCN-L and M-gCN-L, and D-gCN-L shows the highest photocatalytic degradation performance because of its larger specific surface area, lower electron-hole recombination and wide light absorption range.     

Synthesis of MoS2/g-C3N4 as a solar light-responsive photocatalyst for organic degradation

A novel molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) and graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) composite photocatalyst was synthesized using a low temperature hydrothermal method. MoS₂ nanoparticles formed on g-C₃N₄ nanosheets greatly enhanced the photocatalytic activity of g-C₃N₄. The photocatalyst was tested for the degradation of methyl orange (MO) under simulated solar light. Composite 3.0 wt.% MoS₂/g-C₃N₄ showed the highest photocatalytic activity for MO decomposition. MoS₂ nanoparticles can increase the interfacial charge transfer and thus prevent the recombination of photo-generated electron–hole pairs. The novel MoS₂/g-C₃N₄ composite is therefore shown as a promising catalyst for photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants using solar energy.     

Effects of solvent-induced morphology evolution of Zn2GeO4 on photocatalytic activities of g-C3N4/Zn2GeO4 composites

Morphology modulation of photocatalyst has been demonstrated to be a crucial strategy for improving the catalytic performance in solar energy conversion system. Here we systematically investigated the influence of the solvent-dependent morphology evolution of Zn₂GeO₄ phase on the photocatalytic efficiency of the as-prepared g-C₃N₄/Zn₂GeO₄ composites. The morphologies of Zn₂GeO₄ were rationally tuned from flower-like nanosheets to length-controllable nanorods, and microclusters assembled from microrods through regulating the solution polarity of different organic solvents. Accordingly, the Zn₂GeO₄ sample prepared in ethylene glycol (EG) with long rod-like morphology and integrated with g-C₃N₄, abbreviated as g-C₃N₄/Zn₂GeO₄(1:1)-EG, exhibited the best visible-light absorption ability and the highest efficiency. The synergetic effect of the long rod-like Zn₂GeO₄ phase with many exposed (110) crystalline facets and g-C₃N₄ accelerates the separation and interface transportation of photoexcited charge carriers, as confirmed by photocurrent measurements. The MB degradation mechanism was also proposed to clarify the charge-transfer process and the improved photodegradation activity. This study offers an experimental basis for understanding the significance of morphology control on rational design of photocatalysts with improved performance.     

Preparation of Bi<Subscript>2</Subscript>MoO<Subscript>6</Subscript> Nanomaterials and Theirs Gas-Sensing Properties

Bi₂MoO₆ nanomaterials are synthesized by a facile solvothermal method. Morphology and structure of the Bi₂MoO₆ nanomaterials are analyzed by SEM, XRD, N₂ adsorption techniques and XPS. Gas-sensing properties of the as-prepared Bi₂MoO₆ sensors are also systematically investigated. The results show the Bi₂MoO₆ nanomaterials consist of nanosheets and demonstrate good crystallinity. The optimal operating temperature of the Bi₂MoO₆ sensors is 240 °C. At this operating temperature, The Bi₂MoO₆ sensor exhibits a fast response-recovery to ethanol, suggesting its excellent potential application as a gas sensor for ethanol gas-sensing applications.     

Microwave hydrothermal synthesis and optical properties of flower-like Bi2MoO6 crystallites

Flower-like Bi₂MoO₆ crystallites were successfully synthesized by the microwave hydrothermal process using Bi(NO₃)₃·5H₂O and Na₂MoO₄·2H₂O as source materials and adding hexamethylene tetramine (HMT) as a template. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) were used to characterize the products. Ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy was employed to study the optical properties of Bi₂MoO₆. Results show that the product morphology is flower-like on adding the template. These flower-like Bi₂MoO₆ crystallites are a self-assembly of many thin nanoplates. HMT plays an important role in the formation of the flower-like morphology. UV–vis absorption spectra of all the Bi₂MoO₆ samples show strong photoabsorption properties from the ultraviolet region to the visible-light region with wavelength shorter than 500 nm. The band gap of flower-like Bi₂MoO₆ crystallites displays a slight red-shift compared with the Bi₂MoO₆ plate-like structures.     

Insight into the adsorption and photocatalytic properties of in-situ synthesized g-C3N4/SnS2 nanocomposite

In this paper, a novel g-C₃N₄/2 wt% SnS₂ nanocomposite was successfully synthesized using an in-situ growth of SnS₂ on g-C₃N₄. X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) method, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), and photoluminescence (PL) spectrometer were used to characterize the photocatalysts. Exploring adsorption behavior, as an importatnt stage during photocatalytic reactions, is of great importance. Hence, both adsorption and photocatalytic performance of the synthesized photocatalysts have been investigated in detail. The adsorption isotherm fittings exhibited that Freundlich and Langmuir-Freundlich models can be applied to the methylene blue (MB) adsorption on the photocatalysts, indicating surface heterogeneity should be considered. A pseudo-second-order model was fitted to explore the adsorption kinetics. According to the observed redshift in the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) result of g-C₃N₄/SnS₂ nanocomposite, π-π interaction was dominant during MB adsorption. Also, a slight redshift and significant PL intensity reduction in g-C₃N₄/SnS₂ nanocomposite led to 96% photocatalytic efficiency after 180 min under visible light radiation. The kinetics of photodegradation over g-C₃N₄/SnS₂ was about 9 and 3 times higher than those of g-C₃N₄ and SnS₂ photocatalysts, respectively. The superoxide and hydroxyl radicals were the main reactive species in the photocatalytic degradation with a Z-scheme charge transfer mechanism. The g-C₃N₄/SnS₂ nanocomposite was found to be remarkably stable after three consecutive cycles of MB degradation.