Transparent g-C3N4 thin film: Enhanced photocatalytic performance and convenient recycling

Efficient heterogeneous photocatalysis requires photocatalysts to possess high photocatalytic activity, good cycle stability and easy recyclability. In this paper, a g-C3N4 thin film has been successfully prepared utilizing a simple in-situ vapor deposition method using melamine and glass slide as the raw material and substrate, respectively. It was found that the g-C3N4 thin film could easily be separated from the glass slide in cold water and that cyano groups exist in its structure. The as-prepared g-C3N4 thin film can be used as a photocatalyst for the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) dye. Upon visible light irradiation for 80 min, the degradation rate of RhB could reach 85.9%. After five cycles, the degradation rate could still reach 80.2%. The superior photocatalytic performance was ascribed to the existence of cyano groups, which can improve the charge separation efficiency. It is worth noting that g-C3N4 thin film can be easily separated from the solution using a net and still maintain its structural integrity after the degradation experiment.

Automated summary

In this study, a g-C3N4 thin film with high photocatalytic performance, good recyclability, and cycle stability was successfully prepared. The presence of cyano groups improved the photocatalytic efficiency, leading to efficient degradation of dyes under visible light irradiation.