Facile synthesis of metal free perylene imide-carbon nitride membranes for efficient photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants in the presence of peroxymonosulfate

Developing environmental friendly catalysts with efficient photocatalytic activity plays an important role in the area of water purification. In this study, metal free perylene imide-carbon nitride (PI-g-C3N4) membranes were synthesized via a facile liquid based preparation method by using SiO2 membranes as substrates. Perylene imide distributes uniformly in PI-g-C3N4, enhancing the separation of photo generated electron-holes. The membrane form of PI-g-C3N4 is favored to its applications due to the easy operation and separation process. The PI-g-C3N4 membranes exhibit efficient photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants in the presence of PMS under visible light irradiation, which could remove 100% BPA within 30 min. ESR analysis and radical quenching experiments indicate that O-1(2), O-2(center dot)- radicals and h(+) are predominant active species in the degradation process. This study presents a facile strategy for PI-g-C3N4 membrane preparation, and brings new perspectives for the application of metal free membrane catalysts in the area of water treatment.