Preparation of TiHAP@g-C3N4 Heterojunction and Photocatalytic Degradation of Methyl Orange

A composite photocatalyst (TiHAP@g-C3N4) consisting of Ti doped hydroxyapatite and g-C3N4 was synthesized through hydrothermal route. Its structure and optical property were characterized by various means and photocatalytic activity was evaluated through methyl orange (MO) degradation experiments. Results show that short rod-shaped TiHAP in the sample grows on the surface of g-C3N4. Both TiHAP and g-C3N4 maintain their original crystal shape and chemical structure. As-prepared TiHAP@g-C3N4 is of high purity with specific surface area of 107.92 m(2)/g, which is increased about 135% and 44% as compared with sole TiHAP and sole g-C3N4, respectively. The highest MO degradation rate of 96.35% is achieved within 120 min by TiHAP@g-C3N4 at the concentration of 1.0 g/L and pH 7. More than 80.02% of MO was removed in every of three cyclic tests, demonstrating good and stable photocatalytic performance of TiHAP@g-C3N4. Holes (h(+)) play the largest role in the MO degradation process, followed by center dot O-2(-) and center dot OH. The constructed TiHAP@g-C3N4 heterojunction enhances light absorption, improves separation efficiency of photoelectrons-h(+), and preserves more redox-prone TiHAP valence band h(+) and g-C3N4 conduction band electrons. Therefore, as-synthesized TiHAP@g-C3N4 can be a promising catalyst in photocatalytic degradation.

Automated summary

A composite photocatalyst (TiHAP@g-C3N4) consisting of Ti doped hydroxyapatite and g-C3N4 was synthesized and showed high purity and stable photocatalytic performance.