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ZnMoO4/g-C3N4 S-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst: synthesis, structural, optical, and its photocatalytic properties

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Abstract

Utilizing a single-step hydrothermal method, we prepared both pure ZnMoO4 and ZnMoO4/g-C3N4 composite, showcasing distinctive electronic and structural features that render it promising for environmental and energy remediation applications. XRD analysis confirmed the successful formation of ZnMoO4/g-C3N4 composites. The FESEM image of g-C3N4 displayed stacked flat sheets with noticeable wrinkles, showcasing its two-dimensional structure and irregular pores, enhancing its unique characteristics. Pure ZnMoO4 exhibited self-growth into hexagonal plate structures, with additional decoration of g-C3N4 sheets on its surface. UV–Vis absorption spectra analysis confirmed the interlayer structure of g-C3N4 and ZnMoO4 in the heterojunction, leading to a considerable increase in UV absorption and enhanced charge-separation efficiency within the binary ZnMoO4/g-C3N4 heterostructure. The photocatalytic activity of the synthesized ZnMoO4 and ZnMoO4/g-C3N4 nanocomposites was evaluated through the degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye under UV light irradiation. The results indicated that ZnMoO4 surface decorated with g-C3N4 sheets significantly influenced photocatalysis. Moreover, an increase in the nanocomposite composition led to enhanced efficiency in the photocatalytic process, with the incorporation of carbon nitride on zinc molybdates resulting in a threefold increase in photocatalytic activity.

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Acknowledgements

M. Saravanan is thankful to University Grants Commission (UGC), India for providing Dr. D.S. Kothari Post Doctoral Fellow (No.F.4-2/2006 (BSR)/PH/20-21/0074).

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The authors declare that no funds, grants, or other support were received during the preparation of this manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physics, Government College of Engineering Srirangam, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, 620012, India

    V. Subapriya & D. Karthickeyan

  2. Department of Physics, Bharathidasan Institute of Technology Campus, University College of Engineering, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, 620024, India

    M. Saravanan

  3. Department of Physics, KIT-Kalaignarkarunanidhi Institute of Technology, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, 641402, India

    R. Janani

  4. Department of Physics, Government Arts College (Autonomous), Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, 641018, India

    V. Subapriya & K. Venkatachalam

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Contributions

V. Subapriya: methodology, writing, editing and supervision. D. Karthickeyan: methodology and writing. M. Saravanan: data curation and writing. R. Janani: visualization and investigation. K. Venkatachalam: editing and supervision.

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Subapriya, V., Karthickeyan, D., Saravanan, M. et al. ZnMoO4/g-C3N4 S-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst: synthesis, structural, optical, and its photocatalytic properties. J Mater Sci: Mater Electron 35, 1437 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10854-024-13150-x

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