LDH Ternary Nanocomposites: g-C₃N₄ Intercalated ZnO\Mg-Al for Superior Photocatalytic Activity towards Dye Degradation

Abstract

Photocatalytic dye degradation has received more attention as an affordable and effective way to treat the dye polluted water. In the present chapter, we are going to discuss; (i) the preparation and photophysical characterization of g-C 3 N 4 intercalated ZnO\Mg-Al LDH, a novel ternary nanocomposite, and (ii) its visible light photocatalytic degradation activity against the methylene blue dye. LDHs are 2D materials composed of "brucite-like" cationic layers where an inclusion of trivalent cations presents an overall positive charge to the nanosheets. g-C 3 N 4 is one of the organic semiconductor photocatalyst which active for several types of reactions such as CO 2 reduction, water splitting, and degradation because of its stable, nontoxic, and earth-abundant nature. Mainly, the development of numerous 2D g-C 3 N 4 nanosheets has been extensively used in the field of photocatalyst. By the combination heterojunction with 2D/2D interface can effectively improve the photocatalytic activity. The nitrogen-rich g-C 3 N 4 intercalated ZnO\Mg-Al LDH ternary nanocomposite formation could follow the direct dye degradation process and results enhance the visible light absorption. The enhanced photocatalytic activity is mainly due to the improved charge separation rate and high number of photogenerated electrons. The large number of photogenerated electrons and high charge separation efficiency are effectively influence the dye degradation efficiency.