Fabrication and photocatalytic evaluation of Cr-doped-ZnO/S-g-C3N4 nanocomposite: exploiting the synergistic effect for efficient environmental remediation

Fatima Tahir, Mohsin Javed, Sana Mansoor, Ishrat Fatima, Shahid Iqbal, Sajid Mahmood, Muhammad Azam Qamar, Sohail Nadeem, Khalid M. Alotaibi, Matar Alshalwi

Research output: Journal PublicationArticlepeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

In this study, an effective Cr-ZnO/SGCN photocatalytic composite has been successfully fabricated by coupling chromium-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles (Cr–ZnO NPs) with sulphur-doped graphitic carbon nitride (SGCN) hydrothermally. The effect of various NP and ternary NC compositions on photocatalytic properties was also examined. Using SEM, XRD, EDX and FTIR methods, the samples' morphological, structural, and bonding characteristics were examined while band gaps were determined by employing the tauc plot methodology. Photodegradation of a model contaminant i.e., methylene blue (MB) dye, under sunlight irradiation, was brought into action for determining the photocatalytic capacity of synthetic materials. In order to identify the photocatalyst with the highest photocatalytic efficiency, a two-phase photocatalytic degradation study of (1, 3, 5, 7 & 9) wt.% Cr–ZnO NPs and Cr–ZO/(5, 10, 15 and 20 wt.%) SGCN NCs was conducted against MB. The 5% Cr–ZnO NPs and 5% Cr–ZnO/20% SGCN NCs presented the best optical absorption and photocatalyst effectiveness in stages one and two, respectively. Observed improved photocatalytic performance of Cr–ZnO/20% SGCN NC can be accredited to e–h pair separation and better absorption between SGCN and Cr–ZnO. As a result, the intended study provides good insight for creating a suitable visible-light-driven photocatalyst having useful environmental remediation applications.

Original languageEnglish
Article number1162
JournalJournal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics
Volume35
Issue number17
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2024

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Fabrication and photocatalytic evaluation of Cr-doped-ZnO/S-g-C3N4 nanocomposite: exploiting the synergistic effect for efficient environmental remediation'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this