Graphitic-C3N4/ZnCr-layered double hydroxide 2D/2D nanosheet heterojunction: Mesoporous photocatalyst for advanced oxidation of azo dyes with in situ produced H2O2

In this study the constructional modification of Graphitic carbon nitride nanosheet (GCN-ns) has been made with the aid of ZnCr layered double hydroxide (ZC-LDH) in a unique 2D-2D structure to enhance its visible light absorption. Optical and morphological study presents successful incorporation of ZC-LDH on the surface of GCN-ns. Through adjusting of GCN-ns by ZC-LDH lower recombination rate of e(-)/h(+) pairs, longer lifetimes and an increase in contamination reduction was brought out. The binary nanocomposite was employed to effectively degrade Rhodamine B under UV/vis light irradiation. The improvement in photocatalytic abilities was proven to be related to in situ self-production of H2O2 on GCN-ns/ZC-LDH surface by Xe light irradiation which in return accounts for additional hydroxide radical generation. Radical quenching experiments specified the main active species involved while the consequent step-scheme (S-scheme) charge transfer mechanism was proposed. (C) 2022 The Society of Powder Technology Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. and The Society of Powder Technology Japan. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study explores the constructional modification of Graphitic carbon nitride nanosheet (GCN-ns) with ZnCr layered double hydroxide (ZC-LDH) to enhance its visible light absorption. The incorporation of ZC-LDH onto the surface of GCN-ns improves its photocatalytic abilities, leading to effective degradation of Rhodamine B under UV/vis light irradiation. The self-production of H2O2 on the GCN-ns/ZC-LDH surface accounts for additional hydroxide radical generation, contributing to the improved performance.