Enhanced visible light photocatalytic properties of Fe₂O₃-doped carbon nitride-based organo-catalysts

Abstract

Fe2O3/g-CN heterojunction composites were successfully fabricated by a simple calcinations method using iron chloride and urea as precursors. A specific amount of Fe2O3 was incorporated on the surface of g-CN and calcinated at 400, 450, and 500 °C to obtain series of Fe2O3/g-CN (400(1), 450(2), 500(3) °C) composites. Characterization techniques were applied to measure the optical activities of Fe/CNx composites. The Fe/CN(2) sample showed a significant enhancement in the separation of photo-generated carriers under visible light due to the Fe coordination within g-CN. The composites were utilized for the first time along with parent g-CN sample for the evolution of H2 source by water splitting experiment, as well as and for photodegradation of MB under visible light illumination (λ = 420 nm). Results demonstrate that Fe/CN(2) samples exhibit a remarkable photocatalytic performance in both electron generation (HER) and holes formation, i.e. good degradation performance and as such, the corresponding degradation rate of the superior sample is 91.4 % at 60 min. Moreover, the reusability tests of Fe/CNx composites at different temperatures confirm good degradation performance and have excellent photochemical stability in terms of hydrogen evolution and removal of pollutants, respectively. With experimental results, a possible photocatalytic mechanism of Fe/CN(2) composite has been exceeded to describe the whole phenomena of photocatalysis.

Optimization of the structural and optical properties of ALD grown ZnO thin films for photocatalytic applications: thickness dependence

“…versus the irradiation time t) of the dye has been determined from the absorption spectra, where C and C o are the current and initial concentrations of the dye. Analysis of the photo-degradation shows that it obeys the first order reaction equation in the first two hours [31][32][33]:…”

Fabrication of sodium-doped graphitic carbon nitride for photoelectrochemical water splitting into hydrogen

“…[7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] However, g-C 3 N 4 has a low specific surface area, which limits its visible light responsivity, and the high recombination rate of electron-hole pairs results in low photocatalytic activity. [15][16][17][18] In order to address these challenges, various solutions have been attempted, including element doping, 19,20) structural defects, 21) the formation of interfacial heterojunction between the materials, [22][23][24] and the incorporation of co-catalysts. 25,26) In particular, we have confirmed that the introduction of platinum as a co-catalyst is an extremely effective method.…”