Effect of g-C3N4 and rGO incorporation on the physical properties and photocatalytic application of TiO2 particles through a simple and cost-effective synthesis method

Abstract

This research examined the effect of adding carbon-based materials, including graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO), to titanium dioxide (TiO₂) particles for photocatalytic applications using a simple and cost-effective mechanical grinding method. The results indicated that the composite samples had larger crystallite sizes (19.28–22.86 nm) and lower strain than the TiO₂ sample. Morphological analysis showed that, while the addition of g-C₃N₄ and rGO did not alter the spherical shape of the TiO₂ particles, it did reduce their average size. The TiO₂ particles exhibited oxygen-poor stoichiometry, which was further intensified by the incorporation of g-C₃N₄ and rGO. Optical analysis revealed that the TiO₂ sample has an optical energy band gap of approximately 2.94 eV, which was increased by adding of g-C₃N₄ and rGO. Additionally, the composite samples showed lower radiative recombination compared to the TiO₂ sample. The photocatalytic experiment demonstrated a maximum degradation of 98 % of methylene blue by the g-C₃N₄/rGO/TiO₂ sample under UV illumination after 90 min.