Cage-shaped [P(W3O10)4]3- nanoclusters deposited carbon nitride to construct a dual-functional catalyst for photocatalytic mineralization wastewater and dye detector

In this work, [P(W3O10)(4)](3-)g-C3N4 composite catalyst is prepared from phosphotungstic acid and thin-layer carbon nitride at high temperature, which can efficiently remove Rhodamine B (RhB) organic wastewater by photocatalysis. The results of UV-vis, TPC, PL and EIS tests show that the introduction of [P(W3O10)(4)](3-& nbsp;)increases the light absorption range of the g-C3N4 and prolongs the recombination time of photogenerated electrons and holes. The degradation efficiency of g-C3N4 and the [P(W3O10)(4)]-g-C3N4 catalyst are compared and analyzed, and the corresponding active species (O2.-) is proposed. The new catalyst can decolor and mineralize the RhB solution in a short time, and its degradation rate and mineralization rate are 98.0% and 81.0%, respectively. Interestingly, [P(W3O10)(4)]-g-C3N4 catalyst and RhB solution mixture can be used as a chili powder dye detector. Its special performance can be attributed to the dissociation of the composite catalyst under acid conditions, and the newly formed H3PW12O40 combines with the RhB solution to change color. In short, a dual-function catalyst is synthesized to remove water pollution, and its advantages such as high efficiency, rapidity and strong practicability are worthy of attention.

Automated summary

In this study, a [P(W3O10)(4)](3-)g-C3N4 composite catalyst was prepared and showed efficient photocatalytic removal of Rhodamine B (RhB) organic wastewater. The [P(W3O10)(4)]-g-C3N4 catalyst exhibited higher degradation efficiency compared to g-C3N4, and the corresponding active species were proposed. Additionally, the catalyst demonstrated unique dye detection properties.