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- Title
Simplistic synthesis of ZnO/g-C<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub> heterojunction photocatalyst for improved photodegradation performance.
- Authors
Yadav, Smita M.; Desai, Mangesh A.; Sartale, Shrikrishna D.
- Abstract
The objective of the present work is to develop a simple route for synthesis of visible light active ZnO/g-C3N4 type-II heterojunction photocatalysts with improved photodegradation performance. The g-C3N4 is synthesized by single step thermolysis method, whereas, ZnO and ZnO/g-C3N4 type-II heterojunction photocatalysts with different (10, 15, and 20 wt%) loading of ZnO are synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method. The structural, morphological and optical properties are analyzed by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and photoluminescence characterizations. The synthesized photocatalysts are used to degrade the rhodamine B (RhB) dye under 35 W Xe light lamp. The photocatalytic activity is investigated in detail via different experiments like effect of pH, trapping of reactive oxygen species (ROS), cyclic stability test, etc. The ZnO/g-C3N4 type-II heterojunction photocatalysts with 15 wt% loading of ZnO (15ZG) shows the best photodegradation performance with 0.52 min−1 degradation rate constant and superoxide radicals (·O2−) as major ROS. Further, it exhibits highest degradation rate in acidic medium (pH = 3) with its point of zero charge value 2.54 and possesses good cyclic stability with high activity (91% after 5 cycles). In addition, the photocurrent measurement study is conducted to explore the concept of capability of charge separation and transportation processes across the heterojunction. A photodegradation mechanism involved in the said activity is presented. The 15ZG heterojunction photocatalyst is very much capable for water purification applications.
- Subjects
HETEROJUNCTIONS; PHOTODEGRADATION; POINTS of zero charge; PHOTOCATALYSTS; WATER purification
- Publication
Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics, 2024, Vol 35, Issue 17, p1
- ISSN
0957-4522
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1007/s10854-024-12792-1