Effects of the electron-beam-induced modification of g-C3N4 on its performance in photocatalytic organic dye decomposition

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) was irradiated with an electron beam (EB) to improve the photocatalytic efficiency of Rhodamine B (RhB) decomposition. EB irradiation up to 200 kGy improved the efficiency of RhB decomposition, whereas further EB irradiation lowered the reaction efficiency. The chemical structure and textural properties of g-C3N4 were altered via EB irradiation. Low-dose EB irradiation introduced structural defects in g-C3N4 and increased its surface hollow depth, resulting in improved photocatalytic efficiency. In contrast, high-dose EB irradiation decreased the surface hollow depth, probably owing to intense structural destruction following recomposition.

Automated summary

Electron beam (EB) irradiation was used to improve the photocatalytic efficiency of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) for Rhodamine B (RhB) decomposition. Irradiation up to 200 kGy increased the efficiency, but further irradiation decreased it. EB irradiation altered the chemical structure and surface properties of g-C3N4. Low-dose irradiation introduced defects and increased surface hollow depth, improving the photocatalytic efficiency. In contrast, high-dose irradiation decreased surface hollow depth due to intense structural destruction.