Enhancing the photocatalytic performance of g-C3N4 (GCN) via La-ZnO nanocomposite (Z-scheme mechanism) against toxic pharmaceutical pollutant

Highly effective Z-scheme La-ZnO/GCN nanocomposite (LZG) were synthesized via hydrothermal and ultrasonication methods. The prepared samples were further analyzed through varies techniques like X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and UV-visible spectroscopy. XRD confirms the non-detection of secondary phase formation and decrementing pattern of crystallite size confirm La ions presence in host lattice. Presence of La-ZnO nanorods on nanosheets of GCN are well observed from the HRSEM analysis. Enhancement in pollutant degradation was accredited due to higher charge transfer property observed from EIS (Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy). First-order Langmuir-Hinshelwood relation reveals about the higher rate of reaction (0.01796 x 10(-2) min(-1)), around 84% of TC pollutant degradation by 10-10LZG nanocomposite within the time span of 80 min. The current research supports a novel design of nanocomposite with an electron trapper for hindering charge recombination process and enhancing the degradation of pharmaceutical pollutants.

Automated summary

Highly effective Z-scheme La-ZnO/GCN nanocomposite (LZG) was synthesized via hydrothermal and ultrasonication methods. Various techniques were used to analyze the prepared samples, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and UV-visible spectroscopy. The results showed that LZG had no secondary phase formation, La ions were present in the host lattice, and La-ZnO nanorods were observed on GCN nanosheets. Higher charge transfer property was observed, leading to enhanced pollutant degradation. The research supports a novel design of nanocomposite for enhancing the degradation of pharmaceutical pollutants by hindering charge recombination.