Novel ternary g-C3N4/Zn2SnO4/MoS2 nanocomposites for improved visible light photodegradation of tetracycline

The development of highly effective photocatalysts with a visible light response is a primary goal in the photocatalysis field. In this work, a novel ternary g-C3N4/Zn2SnO4/MoS2 nanocomposite was prepared by hydrothermal method and the prepared catalyst exhibited efficient photocatalytic activity towards tetracycline (TC). Different techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Xray photo spectroscopy (XPS), and UV-Vis spectroscopy, were used to examine the structural, morphological, electronic and optical characteristics of the prepared catalysts. The obtained ternary composite exhibited efficient photodegradation of TC with a degradation rate of 0.0526 min(-1) which is similar to 2.5 fold higher than pristine samples. Furthermore, the optimum catalyst shows good recycle stability and hydroxyl radicals and super oxide radicals were the key active species in TC degradation. The current study offers a new perspective on developing highly effective, recyclable photocatalysts for removing aqueous pollutants.

Automated summary

In this study, a novel ternary g-C3N4/Zn2SnO4/MoS2 nanocomposite was prepared by hydrothermal method and exhibited efficient photocatalytic activity towards tetracycline (TC). The structural, morphological, electronic and optical characteristics of the prepared catalysts were examined using various techniques. The obtained ternary composite showed efficient photodegradation of TC, with a degradation rate 2.5 times higher than the pristine samples. Moreover, the optimum catalyst demonstrated good recycle stability and hydroxyl radicals and superoxide radicals were found to be the key active species in TC degradation. This study offers a new perspective on developing highly effective and recyclable photocatalysts for removing aqueous pollutants.