Single-step synthesis of efficient nanometric boron carbon nitride semiconductor for photocatalysis

Carbon-based materials have demonstrated great advantages over other metal-based photocatalyst materials. With the recent development in textile industries, residual commercial dyes discharged out as wastewater is a serious environmental concern. Herein, we have developed Boron Carbon Nitride nanosheets via thermal condensation (TBCN) and solvothermal route (SBCN). X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Ultraviolet-Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy used to describe the surface optical properties of as-prepared samples. The results were compared to identify a facile single-step route for the synthesis of pure BCN photocatalyst materials thereby to avoid additional treatments for purification of the synthesised material. The optical bandgap of TBCN was estimated to 2.68 eV, resembling a typical semiconductor. XPS study revealed the presence of residual starting material as impurities in the as synthesised SBCN sample. Photodegradation of Malachite green, Acid green and Reactive blue dyes were carried out using the synthesised samples and the photoactivity of TBCN & SBCN were studied. The BCN photocatalyst after photodegradation was further characterized to understand the structural change of the material. Toxicological studies were conducted using the treated and untreated water by Mung bean (Vigna radiata L.). Based on the results, this study provides a facile single-step approach for the synthesis of BCN with great durability and stability which are promising for removal of textile dyes from wastewater.

Automated summary

Carbon-based materials have shown advantages as photocatalysts over metal-based materials. In this study, Boron Carbon Nitride nanosheets were synthesized via two different routes for the photodegradation of textile dyes in wastewater. The study compared the optical properties of the two samples and found that TBCN exhibited superior photocatalytic activity, making it suitable for water purification applications.