Facile fabrication of a Z-scheme g-C3N5/Gd-MOF/silver nanocube composite as a new generation visible light active photocatalyst for abatement of persistent toxic pollutants

Abstract

Some of the persistent hazardous contaminants that readily dissolve in water with a recognizable hue are hexavalent chromium and neomycin antibiotic. Herein, a Z-scheme g-C3N5/Gd-MOF/silver nanocube (CNGdAg) ternary composite was successfully designed by the combination of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N5), gadolinium-based molecular organic framework (Gd-MOF), and silver nanocubes (AgNCs). Under visible light irradiation, CNGdAg outperforms individual components and binary composites in the photoreduction of hexavalent chromium (Cr6+) and removal of neomycin. The maximum photocatalytic efficiency of Cr6+ (98%) in 150 minutes and complete neomycin removal in 25 minutes were accomplished by the CNGdAg-40% composite. A hydrothermal approach was chosen to prepare this visible light active composite. The formation of photogenerated electrons and superoxide radicals plays a major contributing factor in the efficient degradation in a short period without using any external components. The combined effect of the individual components in the composite led to the remarkable degradation via the Z-scheme pathway. This work exemplifies that the CNGdAg-40% photocatalyst can be used for the removal of heavy metal ions and organic contaminants from aquatic environments.

Graphical abstract: Facile fabrication of a Z-scheme g-C3N5/Gd-MOF/silver nanocube composite as a new generation visible light active photocatalyst for abatement of persistent toxic pollutants

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
06 Dec 2023
Accepted
09 Apr 2024
First published
10 Apr 2024

Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2024, Advance Article

Facile fabrication of a Z-scheme g-C3N5/Gd-MOF/silver nanocube composite as a new generation visible light active photocatalyst for abatement of persistent toxic pollutants

V. UshaVipinachandran and S. K. Bhunia, Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2024, Advance Article , DOI: 10.1039/D3EN00913K

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