Synthesis of porous g-C3N4 nanosheets with carbon vacancies for photodegradation of direct red 227 and direct black 166 dyes in aqueous solutions

Porous graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) nanosheets with carbon vacancies were synthesized by recalcination of bulk g-C3N4 in a muffle furnace in static air for 2 h at 550 degrees C. The synthesized product (RCN) was characterized using XRD, FESEM, FTIR, DRS, PL, EDX, and BET-EJH. The photoactivity efficiency of RCN was evaluated by its ability to degrade two heavy anionic textile dyes, direct Red 227 and direct Black 166, under visible light. The results showed RCN in the presence of OH- anions can degrade the mentioned dyes under visible light in a relatively short time. The free radical trapping tests showed that center dot O-2 is the active species and mainly responsible for color degradation, while the OH- ions from KOH (as a co-catalyst) increased the degradation rate by trapping the photogenerated holes (h(+)). Combination of photocatalyst and OH- as co-catalyst was used for the first time to degrade anionic textile dyes, direct Red 227 and direct Black 166.

Automated summary

Porous graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) nanosheets with carbon vacancies were synthesized through recalcination of bulk g-C3N4 at 550 degrees C for 2 hours in a muffle furnace. The synthesized product (RCN) was characterized using various techniques and its photoactivity efficiency was evaluated for dye degradation. The results showed that RCN, in the presence of OH- anions, can efficiently degrade the tested dyes under visible light.