Preparation and Characterization of a g-C3N4/LSACF Composite and Application in RhB Degradation

In this study, g-C3N4/Luffa sponge activated carbon fiber (LSACF) composite was prepared as a novel bio-based photocatalyst for RhB degradation. The physical and chemical properties of the materials were measured using multiple characterization methods, including scanning electronic microscopy, transmission electronic microscopy, X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectrophotometry and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller. The effects of various factors, including the kind of catalyst, the dose of catalyst, the pH value, the initial concentration of RhB and the number of cycle, on RhB degradation were investigated. In addition, radical trapping tests were performed to determine the reaction mechanism of RhB degradation. The trapping test of RhB degradation showed that superoxide radicals and holes were major contributors in the degradation of RhB. The thorough results show that the g-C3N4/LSACF composite is a promising material in RhB degradation.