Enhancement of graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C₃N₄) assisted photodegradation of Rhodamine B under visible light

Abstract

In the current work, the g‐C3N4 photocatalyst was produced by thermal polycondensation of melamine. The Characterization techniques XRD, SEM, FTIR, UV‐DRS, PL, and BET were investigated to find out inherent properties. The PL spectra of the g‐C3N4 photocatalyst showed good absorbance in visible regions for faster degradation of Rhodamine B (RhdB). The synthesized g‐C3N4 photocatalyst is employed for decolorization and demineralization of RhdB about 73 % and 80 % in 105 min and 480 min under visible light. Further, the addition of H2O2 and H2SO4 to RhdB solution in the presence of g‐C3N4 showed enhanced results when compared to g‐C3N4 alone. Moreover, it reduces the time for the removal of RhdB. Simultaneously impeding shift of the maximum absorption peak of RhdB represents alteration of the degradation mechanism. Under alike conditions of photodegradation, after the addition of H2O2 and H2SO4 to the dye solution. The removal of RhdB is enhanced to 98 % and 95 % in 40 min, and 60 min for 5 mg/l and 10 mg/l respectively for H2O2. Further, the addition of H2SO4 enhances efficiency up to 87 %, and 95 % in 50 min, and 80 min respectively for 5 mg/l and 10 mg/l. The overall H2O2 addition showed better efficiency and better rate constants.