Halogen doped g-C3N4/ZnAl-LDH hybrid as a Z-scheme photocatalyst for efficient degradation for tetracycline in seawater

The present research centered on the fabrication of halogen (F and Cl) doping g-C3N4 modified ZnAl-LDH (FCCN/ LDH) nanohybrids and its application in the photodegradation of tetracycline (TC) in artificial seawater. Halogen doping g-C3N4 was prepared via hydrothermal and thermal polycondensation methods using melamine as the precursor. Heterostructural FCCN/LDH binary nanocomposites were synthesized by a facile co-precipitation process. The morphological analysis of binary heterojunction exhibited uniformed decoration of FCCN on the LDH nanosheet surface. FCCN/LDH hybrid displayed enhanced photocatalytic degradation efficiency in the artificial seawater compared with pure FCCN and LDH, which is attributed to appropriate band alignment and Z -scheme electron-hole pairs transfer mechanism to suppress the recombination of photogenerated charge carriers. Electrochemical properties and PL results confirmed the proposed mechanism for extended visible-light response range over FCCN/LDH nanocomposites. Finally, the degradation efficiency of other pollutants (MB, MO, CIP, Rh B, and Cr(VI)) and the photocatalytic stability over FCCN/LDH nanocomposites in the seawater system were also reconnoitered. The plausible Z-scheme mechanism signposted that h+ and center dot O2- active species are foremost free radicals that play a pivotal role in photodegradation.

Automated summary

The present research focused on the fabrication of FCCN/LDH nanohybrids for the photodegradation of TC in artificial seawater. Halogen doping g-C3N4 was prepared using hydrothermal and thermal polycondensation methods, and FCCN/LDH binary nanocomposites were synthesized via a co-precipitation process. The hybrid material exhibited enhanced photocatalytic degradation efficiency in the seawater system due to appropriate band alignment and electron-hole pairs transfer mechanism. The Z-scheme mechanism suggested that h+ and center dot O2- active species were the key free radicals involved in the photodegradation process.