Novel LaAOx/g-C3N4 (A = V, Fe, Co) Heterojunctions with Enhanced Photocatalytic Degradation of Norfloxacin under Visible Light

In this study, novel photocatalysts LaAO(x)/g-C3N4 (A = V, Fe, Co) were prepared by the hydrothermal method, through which LaAO(x) and g-C3N4 were mixed and ultrasonically oscillated to gain heterojunction catalysts. All the samples were characterized by XRD, SEM, FT-IR, XPS, DRS, and PL to ensure the successful integration of LaAO(x) with g-C3N4. The obtained results showed that LaAO(x)/g-C3N4 (A = V, Fe, Co) could effectually improve the separation efficiency of photogenerated carriers during the photodegradation process, thus improving the photodegradation efficiency, while among them, LaFeO3/g-C3N4 showed the best photocatalytic performance and degradation of norfloxacin under visible light, reaching up to 95% in 180 min, which was 9.32 times higher than pristine g-C3N4. From the discussed results above, the possible mechanism of the photodegradation process was put forward. This study supplies a promising method to gain g-C3N4-based photocatalysts for antibiotics removal.

Automated summary

In this study, novel photocatalysts LaAO(x)/g-C3N4 were prepared by the hydrothermal method, and the best photocatalytic performance was observed in LaFeO3/g-C3N4 under visible light, achieving a degradation efficiency of norfloxacin up to 95%. This study provides a promising method for obtaining g-C3N4-based photocatalysts for antibiotics removal.