Highly efficient Fenton-like catalyst Fe-g-C3N4 porous nanosheets formation and catalytic mechanism

The redox ability and electron transmission of the catalyst affects the activity in Fenton process. Fe-g-C3N4 porous nanosheets were facilely synthesized with various Fe contents. The as-synthesized sample exhibited weakened redox ability and enhanced electron transmission than the g-C3N4. The Fe-g-C3N4 showed significant higher catalytic activity for degrading methylene blue (MB) than the g-C3N4. The electron transmission was enhanced for the bond formation between the pyridinic N in g-C3N4 and Fe atoms. The Fe atom was active site for Fenton reaction. Simultaneously, the chemical bond formation limited the Fe leaching to avoid second environmental pollution. More important, no clear effect of pH on catalytic activity of the sample was found. Total organic carbon (TOC) reduction reached as high as 83.7% with 60 mg/L of MB for 60 min. These results demonstrated that the as-formed catalyst showed significant potential for actual application in environmental treatment.