Graphitic-C3N4 quantum dots modified FeOOH for photo-Fenton degradation of organic pollutants

Developing an efficient heterogeneous Fenton-like synergistic photocatalyst is paramount for degrading organic pollutants. Here, based on two types of g-C3N4 quantum dots (CNQDs) with different fluorescence properties, two kinds of composites (CNQDs/ FeOOH) were fabricated by using a facile method. These composites were used as efficient photo-Fenton catalysts for the treatment of organic pollutants. The composites showed enhanced photocatalysis, Fenton, and photo-Fenton in the degradation of tetracycline (TC), p-nitrophenol (PNP), and 2,4-dinitrophenol (2,4-DNP) compared with pure FeOOH. The degradation efficiencies of composites for TC was up to 89% in 2 min, that for PNP was up to 90% in 10 min, and that for 2,4-DNP was up to 90% in 5 min. Finally, the photo-Fenton catalytic mechanism was discussed on the basis of the reactive radical experiments. The results reported herein provide a strategy for degrading organic pollutants efficiently.

Automated summary

An efficient heterogeneous Fenton-like synergistic photocatalyst was developed for degrading organic pollutants by fabricating composites based on two types of g-C3N4 quantum dots. The composites showed enhanced photocatalysis, Fenton, and photo-Fenton effects compared with pure FeOOH, leading to high degradation efficiencies for various organic pollutants.