Visible-Light Photocatalytic Water Splitting and Norfloxacin Degradation by Reduced Graphene Oxide-Coupled MnON Nanospheres

Abstract

Photocatalytic water splitting has gained considerable attention owing to the sustainable nature of hydrogen as a clean energy source alternative to fossil fuels. In this study, nanocomposites consisting of manganese oxynitride and reduced graphene oxide were synthesized by the combined involvement of a solvothermal process and Hummer’s method and examined for their photocatalytic applications for water splitting hydrogen production and degradation of norfloxacin as a model pollutant. Spectroscopic and structural analyses showed successful formation of the stable composite in which manganese oxynitride nanoparticles are decorated on graphene sheets. With increasing content of graphene oxide in the composite, it showed the enhanced photocatalytic efficiency in water splitting hydrogen evolution. This is well explained by the large surface area, more light absorption, and interfacial charge transfer in the composite photocatalyst. The hydrogen evolution rates of MnON nanoparticles and MnON/RGO composites of mass ratios 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3 were measured as 250.1, 456.2, 543.6, and 708.5 μmol g–1 min–1, respectively, and the oxygen evolution rates were measured as 129.0, 229.4, 273.4, and 354.6 μmol g–1 min–1, respectively, suggesting the important roles of reduced graphene oxide. The photocatalysts also demonstrated enhanced stability and recyclability after multiple uses.

Enhancing the photocatalytic performance of a rutile unit featuring a titanium-oxide cluster by Pb2+ doping

“…[1][2][3] TiO 2 is a benchmark photocatalyst in a variety of applications, such as CO 2 storage, water splitting, and degradation of organic pollutants. [4][5][6][7][8] Since the bandgap of TiO 2 is very wide (3.2 eV), heterometallic ions are broadly doped into the TiO 2 lattices to enhance the absorption and quantum yield of solar light. 9,10 However, the precise structures of the heterometal-doped TiO 2 , as well as the structural-activity relationship remain obscure.…”

Reduced Graphene Oxide–SnSe Nanocomposite Photocatalyst with High Apparent Quantum Yield for the Photodegradation of Norfloxacin

“…3−5 An innovative, environmentally acceptable photo-oxidation method called photocatalysis can degrade norfloxacin into nontoxic molecules. 6,7 Therefore, a great deal of effort has gone into creating and preparing an effective photocatalyst for the degradation of antibiotics in aquatic environments.…”

Tailoring Interfacial Physicochemical Properties in Cu2O-TiO2@rGO Heterojunction: Insights from EXAFS and Electron Trap Distribution Analysis

“…The rapid advancement of urbanization and industrialization has led to environmental pollution and energy depletion, posing a significant worldwide challenge to the pursuit of sustainable economic development. , The overutilization of antibiotics has garnered global attention due to its potential biological and environmental ramifications, among many organic pollutants. Ciprofloxacin (CIP), a widely used antibiotic, has been detected in various environmental compartments, raising concerns about its potential impact on ecosystems and human health.…”