Abstract
Photocatalytic degradation of pollutants and disinfection of pathogens under sunlight is a propitious approach to solve the problem of environmental pollution. Herein, we fabricated a series of heterostructure nanocomposites (NCs) by the incorporation of 5% Co@ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) with diverse contents (10-75 wt%) of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4). An inimitable ternary nanocomposite designed by integrating g-C3N4 and Co@ZnO produced a large number of heterojunctions and active sites for contaminant photocatalysis. The characterization of the fabricated samples was accomplished by XRD, FTIR, SEM, TEM, UV-Vis spectroscopy, BET surface area, and transient photocurrent response. Among the series of (0-9%) Co@ZnO NPs, the 5% Co@ZnO NPs presented maximum methylene blue (MB) photocatalytic degradation under sunlight. Fascinatingly, the ternary heterostructure (60% g-C3N4/5% Co@ZnO) developed by the incorporation of 5% Co@ZnO NPs with 60% g-C3N4 demonstrated an appreciable improvement in photocatalytic activity and completely degraded MB dye in 60 min as compared to 57% by 5% Co@ZnO NPs. The antibacterial efficiency of the photocatalysts was investigated employing the good diffusion procedure counter to Gram-positive (G+ve) and Gram-negative (G-ve) microbes. Ternary 60% g-C3N4/5% Co@ZnO heterostructure demonstrated an outstanding antibacterial action compared to its counterparts. The enriched photocatalytic and bactericidal propensity of the 60% g-C3N4/5% Co@ZnO NC was principally endorsed to the synergic effects of the heterojunctions created at the g-C3N4 and Co@ZnO NPs interface. The purposed study gives a good perceptiveness for designing an appropriate visible-light-driven photocatalyst with good environmental remediation applications.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 105534 |
Journal | Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering |
Volume | 9 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Aug 2021 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Cobalt doped ZnO
- Graphitic Carbon Nitride
- Heterostructure
- Interface
- Nanocomposite
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Chemical Engineering (miscellaneous)
- Waste Management and Disposal
- Pollution
- Process Chemistry and Technology