Fabrication and photocatalytic activity of graphitic-C3N4 quantum dots-decorated basic zinc carbonate prepared by a co-precipitation method

Graphitic carbon nitride quantum dots (CNQDs) with a high quantum yield (up to 43%) were synthesized by incorporating the unique organic functional group of barbituric acid into the framework of the carbon nitride structure by supramolecular pre-organization. The CNQDs were introduced onto the surface of basic zinc carbonate (BZC) by co-precipitation. The resulting CNQDs/BZC composite showed that the degradation efficiency of tetracycline was 2.4 times higher than that of ZnO. The Z-scheme mechanism for the as-prepared sample was proposed for the enhanced photocatalytic degradation rate. The O-2(-) and OH radicals played major roles due to the suitable bandgap. Finally, the formation and possible photocatalytic mechanisms of the CNQDs/BZC composite are proposed.

Automated summary

The research synthesized graphitic carbon nitride quantum dots (CNQDs) with a high quantum yield by incorporating barbituric acid into the structure. They then introduced the CNQDs onto the surface of basic zinc carbonate (BZC) to enhance the degradation efficiency of tetracycline. The Z-scheme mechanism proposed for the enhanced photocatalytic degradation rate is attributed to the major roles played by O-2(-) and OH radicals due to the suitable bandgap. Finally, the formation and possible photocatalytic mechanisms of the CNQDs/BZC composite are proposed.