Synthesis of P-Doped g-C3N4/Cu2O Nanocomposite and Investigation of Its Photocatalytic Characteristics in Reduction of Nitroaromatic Compounds to Corresponding Amines Under Visible Light

Abstract

In this research, as a new heterogenous nanocomposite, P-doped g-C₃N₄/Cu₂O was successfully synthesized by simultaneous reduction of copper salts and the resultant precipitation. The phosphor was doped onto the graphitic carbon nitrite by the calcination method. The various spectroscopic and imaging methods (XPS, X-ray diffraction [XRD], FTIR, Pl, BET, DRS, Map Scanning, EDS (EDAX), TEM, FESEM, and EIS) were devised to characterize the structural properties, morphology, and optical and photocatalytic activities of the synthesized nanocomposite. The synthesized nanocomposite was then used as photocatalysts in the reduction of nitroaromatic compounds to the corresponding amino aromatic species, with the results being highly promising. Indeed, the conversion of nitrobenzene to aniline was 100% accomplished within 30 min. In these reactions, hydrazine compounds were used as hydrogen suppliers. The proposed photocatalyst exhibits great recyclability and reusability so that no significant change in the catalytic activity of the nanocomposite and the resultant conversion efficiency was observed after six rounds of reuse.