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Insights into the mechanism of ZnO/g–C3N4 nanocomposites toward photocatalytic degradation of multiple organic dyes

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Abstract

Graphitic–carbon nitride (g–C3N4)-based zinc oxide (ZnO) nanocomposite (ZnO/g–C3N4) is synthesized via precipitation-assisted thermal condensation method. Structure, composition, and morphology of the bare and composite materials are examined through various techniques. XRD results confirmed the hexagonal wurtzite phase of the ZnO in the composites, FTIR analysis revealed the structural information such as Zn–O bond in bare-ZnO and presence of triazine-ring units in ZnO/g–C3N4 (ZnO/CN) nanocomposite corresponding to the presence of g–C3N4. UV–DRS results showed that the absorbance of ZnO/CN is shifted toward the lower band gap energy (red shift) as compared to bare-ZnO. Photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue and Acid blue 113 dyes over ZnO/CN nanocomposites is found to be higher with degradation of around 97 and 83% at the end of 90 and 120 min, respectively. The radical scavenger studies revealed that the radical species responsible for the degradation of the dye molecules are O2·− and ·OH− radicals, and the stability studies demonstrated that the synthesized composites are chemically and photo-catalytically stable for sustainable photocatalytic applications.

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Acknowledgements

The authors M.G, E.S & E.S acknowledge NRC, SCIF, SRMIST for providing research facilities and Department of Chemistry, SRM IST for providing dean fellowship.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemistry, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, 603203, India

    M. Gayathri & E. Sundaravadivel

  2. Centre for Nano and Material Sciences, Jain University, Bangalore, Karnataka, 562112, India

    M. Sakar

  3. Department of Ceramic Technology, A. C. Tech Campus, Anna University, Chennai, 600025, India

    E. Satheeshkumar

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  1. M. Gayathri
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  2. M. Sakar
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  4. E. Sundaravadivel
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Correspondence to E. Sundaravadivel.

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Gayathri, M., Sakar, M., Satheeshkumar, E. et al. Insights into the mechanism of ZnO/g–C3N4 nanocomposites toward photocatalytic degradation of multiple organic dyes. J Mater Sci: Mater Electron 33, 9347–9357 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10854-021-07302-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10854-021-07302-6

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