Visible-light-driven photocatalytic degradation of dye and antibiotics by activated biochar composited with K+ doped g-C3N4: Effects, mechanisms, actual wastewater treatment and disinfection

To improve the performance of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4), a hotly researched metal-free photocatalyst, for better application in the efficient removal of organic pollutants, adsorption synergistically enhanced photocatalysis mechanism was thoroughly explored. Based on KOH pore-forming activated biochar (ACB) and K+ doped g-C3N4 (K-gC(3)N(4)), the novel activated biochar-based K-gC(3)N(4) composite (ACB-K-gC(3)N(4)) was synthesized via the innovative ultrasonic-milling method. Rhodamine B (RhB), tetracycline (TC), norfloxacin (NOR), and chloramphenicol (CAP) were selected as target pollutants, and the effects of environmental factors, recycling and actual wastewater tests, disinfection effects, and various enhancement strategies were investigated. The results showed that K-gC(3)N(4) was successfully composited with ACB by various characterizations, where the loading mass ratio of 1:2 exhibited the best performance. ACB-K-gC(3)N(4) possessed a larger specific surface area, richer functional groups, suitable band gap (2.29 eV), and broader visible light absorption (~716 nm) than K-gC(3)N(4). ACB-K-gC(3)N(4) presented effective removal efficiency over K-gC(3)N(4) for four pollutants, in which the removal efficiency of RhB reached 93.26%, and the degradation rate constant of 0.0119 min(-1) was four times higher than K-gC(3)N(4) (0.0029 min(-1)). Moreover, ACB-K-gC(3)N(4) was superior to K-gC(3)N(4) in disinfecting S. aureus and E. coli, with a sterilization rate of exceeding 90% for 12 h. The photodegradation activity was dominated by center dotO-2(-), h(+), and middotOH, and the mechanisms involved in the three stages. This was attributed to the unique structure and surface properties (defects and persistent free radicals) of ACB, as evidenced by improved adsorption stage and transfer of degradation intermediates, facilitated the generation of active species, accelerated migration of photogenerated electrons, and inhibited photogenerated carriers recombination by the heterojunction. The good reusability and stability, enhancement strategies (blowing air and heating), and satisfactory feasibility for actual wastewater allow ACB-K-gC(3)N(4) possible to promote high-concentration wastewater treatment and disinfection.

Automated summary

By synthesizing activated biochar-based K-gC(3)N(4) composite, the performance of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) in the removal of organic pollutants can be improved, showing good removal efficiency and disinfection effects.