The role of g-C3N4 loadings in MXene for photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue

Abstract

The g-C₃N₄/MXene heterojunction photocatalyst was effectively developed using the wet impregnation synthesis method, and its physicochemical properties were thoroughly characterised. The composites of the g-C₃N₄/MXene was prepared by mixing the MXene to varies amount of g-C₃N₄ (0.1–1.2 wt.%). MXene with 0.4 wt.% g-C₃N₄ exhibited the optimal loading on the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue under visible light, with a degradation efficiency of > 99% within 150 min. XRD, FTIR, FESEM, SAP, and DR-UV-Vis were utilised to characterise the g-C₃N₄/MXene heterojunction photocatalyst as developed. It was discovered that the introduction of g-C₃N₄ affects the oxygenated functional groups and increases photocatalytic activity by increasing the density of free carrier electrons and inhibiting electron–hole recombination. However, it was revealed that excessive concentration of g-C₃N₄ can significantly inhibit photocatalytic activity. The FESEM-EDX analysis revealed Al element was decreased up to 70% for 0.4GM thus increase the intervals between the MXene layers with higher exposed oxygen active sites for photocatalytic degradation. Corresponds to that, 0.4GM has the highest oxygen active sites for g-C₃N₄/MXene heterostructure photocatalyst which was 6.1 wt.%. The findings of this study may provide an innovative approach for enhancing the photocatalytic activity of MXene for applications requiring highly effective effluent treatment.