Three-dimensional flower heterojunction g-C3N4/Ag/ZnO composed of ultrathin nanosheets with enhanced photocatalytic performance

In order to solve environmental pollution problems, a kind of photocatalyst for high-efficiency utilization of sunlight is proposed. The simple solvothermal method is used to synthesize the ternary heterojunction g-C3N4/Ag/ZnO with 3D flower-like structure. The surface plasmon resonance effect of metal Ag can improve the response of photocatalyst to visible light. Electrons conduction at heterojunction interface can enhance the separation and transfer efficiency of photogenerated electrons and holes. The heterojunction g-C3N4/Ag/ZnO have excellent photocatalytic degradation efficiency and mineralization efficiency for different organic dyes, phenols reagents and antibiotics under visible light, such as 2,4-dichlorophenol, phenol and rhodamine B et al. Similarly, the photocatalytic activity of the ternary heterojunction g-C3N4/Ag/ZnO is optimal compared to the pure g-C3N4, g-C3N4/ZnO composite and g-C3N4/Ag composite. It can be known that the ternary heterojunction g-C3N4/Ag/ZnO has great photocatalytic stability through cyclic tests. The important role of hydroxyl radicals in photocatalytic reactions is confirmed by radical species quenching experiments.