Enhancing the photocatalytic performance of g-C3N4 (GCN) via La–ZnO nanocomposite (Z-scheme mechanism) against toxic pharmaceutical pollutant

Abstract

Highly effective Z-scheme La–ZnO/GCN nanocomposite (LZG) were synthesized via hydrothermal and ultrasonication methods. The prepared samples were further analyzed through varies techniques like X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and UV–visible spectroscopy. XRD confirms the non-detection of secondary phase formation and decrementing pattern of crystallite size confirm La ions presence in host lattice. Presence of La–ZnO nanorods on nanosheets of GCN are well observed from the HRSEM analysis. Enhancement in pollutant degradation was accredited due to higher charge transfer property observed from EIS (Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy). First-order Langmuir–Hinshelwood relation reveals about the higher rate of reaction (0.01796 × 10–2 min−1), around 84% of TC pollutant degradation by 10-10LZG nanocomposite within the time span of 80 min. The current research supports a novel design of nanocomposite with an electron trapper for hindering charge recombination process and enhancing the degradation of pharmaceutical pollutants.