Enhanced visible-light-driven photocatalysis via magnetic nanocomposites: A comparative study of g-C3N4, g-C3N4/Fe3O4, and g-C3N4/Fe3O4/ZnO

In this study, the photocatalytic activity of g-C3N4/Fe3O4/ZnO, g-C3N4/Fe3O4, and g-C3N4 catalysts when exposed to visible light was thoroughly examined. We deliberately take advantage of visible light potential to create electron-hole (e/h+) pairs with exceptional lifetimes. The g-C3N4/Fe3O4/ZnO nanocomposite stands out among the tested catalysts as the undisputed champion thanks to its excellent degrading efficiency. This remarkable result is due to the formation of an interface between g-C3N4 and ZnO, which increases the response to visible light and makes it easier to separate photo-induced electrons and holes, completely. Furthermore, the nanocomposite including Fe3O4 phase addressed the challenge of catalyst recovery and magnetic separation from the solution.

Automated summary

This study thoroughly examines the photocatalytic activity of g-C3N4/Fe3O4/ZnO, g-C3N4/Fe3O4, and g-C3N4 catalysts under visible light. The g-C3N4/Fe3O4/ZnO nanocomposite outperforms the other catalysts in terms of degradation efficiency due to the formation of an interface between g-C3N4 and ZnO, which enhances the response to visible light and facilitates the separation of photo-induced electrons and holes. Furthermore, the inclusion of Fe3O4 phase in the nanocomposite addresses the challenge of catalyst recovery and magnetic separation.