Comparison of Graphitic Carbon Nitrides Synthetized from Melamine and Melamine-Cyanurate Complex: Characterization and Photocatalytic Decomposition of Ofloxacin and Ampicillin

Abstract

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4, hereafter abbreviated as CN) was prepared by the heating of melamine (CN-M) and melamine-cyanurate complex (CN-MCA), respectively, in air at 550 °C for 4 h. The specific surface area (SSA) of CN-M and CN-MCA was 12 m2 g−1 and 225 m2g−1 and the content of oxygen was 0.62 wt.% and 1.88 wt.%, respectively. The band gap energy (Eg) of CN-M was 2.64 eV and Eg of CN-MCA was 2.73 eV. The photocatalytic activity of the CN materials was tested by means of the decomposition of antibiotics ofloxacin and ampicillin under LED irradiation of 420 nm. The activity of CN-MCA was higher due to its high SSA, which was determined based on the physisorption of nitrogen. Ofloxacin was decomposed more efficiently than ampicillin in the presence of both photocatalysts.

Enhanced Catalytic Conversion of Disaccharides to Propylene Glycol Using Metal-Supported Graphitic Carbon Nitride

“…The recrystallized precursors were collected, grounded well in a mortar, and transferred to different crucibles, such as alumina, platinum, zirconia, nickel, and graphite with lids . The crucible with the sample was placed in a muffle furnace with a ramp rate of 5 °C at 550 °C. − Samples were removed when the temperature reached room temperature. The samples obtained were labeled as Al-gCN, Pt-gCN, Zr-gCN, Ni-gCN, and Gr-gCN.…”

Design of cobalt‐iron complex sulfides grown on nickel foam modified by reduced graphene oxide as a highly effect bifunctional electrocatalyst for overall water splitting

“…For instance, alternatives are transition metal sulfides, phosphides, selenides, nitrides and carbides for HER, [18][19][20][21][22] as well as nanocomposites, transition metal oxides and layered dihydroxygenates for OER. [23][24][25] Significantly, common electrocatalysts usually work well in acidic electrolytes for HER, while in alkaline electrolytes for OER.…”

“…From this, the manufacture of low‐cost and abundant in crust catalysts to replace commercial Pt/C for HER and RuO 2 /IrO 2 for OER has become one of research hotspots. For instance, alternatives are transition metal sulfides, phosphides, selenides, nitrides and carbides for HER, 18‐22 as well as nanocomposites, transition metal oxides and layered dihydroxygenates for OER 23‐25 …”

Special Issue: Photocatalytic Materials for Environment Treatment and Energy Production

“…In Reference [ 7 ], graphitic carbon nitride (CN), a metal-free semiconducting material with good mechanical, chemical and thermal stability and a band gap of 2.7 eV (absorption in VIS region), was prepared by the heating of melamine (CN-M, Eg = 2.64 eV, SSA = 12 m 2 /g) and melamine-cyanurate complex (CN-MCA, Eg = 2.73 eV, SSA = 225 m 2 /g), respectively, in air at 550 °C for 4 h. The photocatalytic activity of the CN materials (45 mg/150 mL pollutant solution) was tested for the decomposition of antibiotics ofloxacin and ampicillin (20 mg/L) under VIS light irradiation. The results shows that ofloxacin was decomposed more efficiently than ampicillin, the photocatalytic activity of CN-MCA being higher (90% in 1 h) for ofloxacin degradation, compared with CN-M (80% in 2 h), due to its higher SSA and lower Eg.…”