Fabrication of binary g-C3N4/UU-200 composites with enhanced visible-light-driven photocatalytic performance toward organic pollutant eliminations

In this study, g-C3N4/UU-200 heterojunction photocatalysts displaying superior photocatalytic activity for organic pollutant elimination under white LED light irradiation were fabricated via an in situ solvothermal method. The successful construction of a heterojunction between g-C3N4 and UU-200 was evidenced by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The improved photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) and tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) over g-C3N4/UU-200 compared with that over the individual components can be attributed to the anchoring of the g-C3N4 layered structure on the UU-200 surface promoting the decrease of the bandgap of UU-200, as confirmed by ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and to the light-induced charge separation efficiency stemming from a suitable heterojunction structure, which was revealed by photoluminescence spectroscopy and electrochemical analyses. Specifically, the 40% g-C3N4/UU-200 composite showed the highest photocatalytic activity toward the degradation of RhB (97.5%) within 90 min and TCH (72.6%) within 180 min. Furthermore, this catalyst can be recycled four runs, which demonstrates the potential of the g-C3N4/UU-200 composite as an alternative visible-light-sensitive catalyst for organic pollutant elimination.

Automated summary

In this study, g-C3N4/UU-200 heterojunction photocatalysts were successfully fabricated and exhibited superior photocatalytic activity for organic pollutant elimination under white LED light irradiation. The enhanced performance can be attributed to the anchoring effect of the g-C3N4 layered structure on the UU-200 surface, which promotes the decrease of the bandgap of UU-200, and the suitable heterojunction structure, which improves the light-induced charge separation efficiency. The 40% g-C3N4/UU-200 composite showed the highest photocatalytic activity and could be recycled four times, indicating its potential as a visible-light-sensitive catalyst for organic pollutant elimination.