Advancing photocatalytic degradation under visible light with TiO2/g-C3N4 nanohybrid mechanistic insights

Abstract

In this study, we presents a novel method for bolstering the photocatalytic effectiveness of crystalline titanium dioxide (TiO₂) through the integration of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄), creating a series of TiO₂/g-C₃N₄ nanohybrids (TiCN-NHs). Leveraging an economical and scalable pyrolysis technique, we crafted different ratios of these nanohybrids (TiCN-NHs-1, TiCN-NHs-2, TiCN-NHs-3, and TiCN-NHs-4) to optimize their performance in harnessing visible light for photocatalysis. Detailed spectroscopic examinations were performed to dissect the nanohybrids’ structural and morphological nuances, alongside their chemical interactions and states. The primary evaluation of these nanohybrids’ photocatalytic prowess was the degradation of a selected colored organic contaminant under visible light exposure. The TiCN-NHs showcased an unprecedented photocatalytic degradation efficiency, surpassing that of p-TiO₂ and bulk b-g-C₃N₄ by twelvefold and eightfold, respectively, under comparable conditions. This dramatic increase in photocatalytic activity is credited to the harmonious interface between TiO₂ and g-C₃N₄ within the nanohybrids, fostering a diminished bandgap and promoting efficient charge separation. Additionally, photoluminescence and density of state analyses, specifically focusing on valence band spectra under visible light irradiation, further confirmed these findings. The synergistic effects observed in TiCN-NHs not only enhance photocatalytic degradation rates but also spotlight the potential of these nanohybrids in solar energy conversion and environmental cleanup applications, offering a promising avenue for future research in sustainable technologies.