Facile fabrication of the Ag nanoparticles decorated graphitic carbon nitride photocatalyst film for indoor air purification under visible light

Visible light photocatalysis represents a promising procedure for indoor air purification. Here we developed the Ag nanoparticles decorated graphitic carbon nitride photocatalyst film supported on glass substrate. This pho-tocatalyst film can effectively use visible light to degrade various volatile organic compounds which contain formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, ethylene, benzene, toluene, and p-xylene and deactivate Escherichia coli, Staphy-lococcus aureus, and Candida albicans. The decoration of Ag nanoparticles enhanced the visible-light-driven ac-tivity of graphitic carbon nitride because Ag nanoparticles strongly absorb visible light through the localized surface plasmon resonance effect and facilitate the efficient separation of charge carriers by forming Schottky barrier with the semiconductor. Photo-generated holes and superoxide radical anions, rather than hydroxyl radicals, are the major active species in the photocatalytic degradation of volatile organic compounds and deactivation of microorganisms. The application potential of the developed photocatalyst film for indoor air purification was demonstrated by the efficient removal of HCHO and TVOC under a simulated indoor envi-ronment and the favorable recyclability of the photocatalyst.

Automated summary

Visible light photocatalysis using Ag nanoparticles decorated graphitic carbon nitride photocatalyst film has been developed for efficient degradation of volatile organic compounds and deactivation of microorganisms. The decoration of Ag nanoparticles enhances the activity of the photocatalyst by absorbing visible light and facilitating charge separation. Photo-generated holes and superoxide radical anions are the major active species.