Enhanced efficiency of AgAlO < sub > 2 < /sub > /g-C < sub > 3 < /sub > N < sub > 4 < /sub > binary composite to degrade organic pollutants for environmental remediation under visible light irradiation

This study explores the utilization of semiconductor-based photocatalysts for environmental remediation through photocatalytic degradation, harnessing solar energy for effective treatment. The primary focus is on the application of photocatalytic technology for the degradation of 2-chlorophenol and methylene blue, critical pollutants requiring remediation. The research involves the synthesis of binary AgAlO2/g-C3N4 nanocomposites through an exchange ion method, subsequent calcination, and sonication. This process enhances the transfer of photogenerated electrons from AgAlO2 to g-C3N4, resulting in a significantly increased reductive electron charge on the surface of g-C3N4. The photocatalytic activity of the synthesized composites is comprehensively examined in the degradation of 2-chlorophenol and methylene blue through detailed crystallographic, electron-microscopy, photoemission spectroscopy, electrochemical, and spectroscopic characterizations. Among the various composites, AgAlO2/20% g-C3N4 emerges as the most active photocatalyst, achieving an impressive 98% degradation of methylene blue and 97% degradation of 2-chlorophenol under visible light. Notably, AgAlO2/20% g-C3N4 surpasses bare AgAlO2 and bare g-C3N4, exhibiting 1.66 times greater methylene blue degradation and constant rate (k) values of 20.17 × 10-3 min-1, 4.18 × 10-3 min-1 and 3.48 × 10-3 min-1, respectively. The heightened photocatalytic activity is attributed to the diminished recombination rate of elec...
Source: Chemosphere - Category: Chemistry Authors: Source Type: research