Synthesis and Characterization of Z-Scheme Heterojunction as a Visible Light-Driven Photocatalyst for Novel Removal of Organic Pollutant
Publication: Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 149, Issue 3
Abstract
In this study, novel Z-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst was successfully fabricated by a facial hydrothermal. Obtained morphology and topography studies indicated that deposition of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) and nanoparticles did not affect the structure of sheets. However, optical results showed that visible light absorption of the material was significantly improved. The synthesized heterojunction photocatalyst exhibited improved photocatalytic performance in the novel degradation of rhodamine B, even upon visible irradiation. The improved photocatalytic performance was ascribed to interfacial contact between and in a Z-scheme heterojunction in which RGO served as electron mediator accelerating its transfer between and to minimize recombination of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. Therefore, rhodamine B degradation by was 1.87 times higher than pristine . The synthesized heterojunction was relatively stable with no distinct reduction in photocatalytic activity after three recycling runs. The fabrication of heterojunction is an efficient strategy to develop high-performance photocatalysts for various photocatalytic applications.
Practical Applications
The process of rapid industrialization and modernization has led to a global population explosion and resulting severe environmental pollution of soil, water, and air. In the process of treating environmental pollutants, humans leave wastewater with a large amount of hazardous pollutants such as heavy metals, carcinogenic metals, pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, and dyes, which are discharged directly into ecosystem and the natural environment. There are many different methods and materials to remove these pollutants. Among the most optimal approaches to remove pollutants are photocatalysis and carbon nitride ()-based nanomaterials ( is a nonmetallic semiconductor material with high thermal, chemical stability, low bandgap energy, and a layered structure similar to graphite). It is useful in reducing operating costs and the scale of the equipment system and increasing recovery of contaminants after reaction. Due to its advantage in specific surface area, which is a very important property for pollutant removal, materials are currently being used as advanced materials. It has the potential for future removal of pollutants compared with previous traditional materials. This study summarizes the potential use of this nanomaterial to remove contaminants in solution, and future directions for developing countries such as Vietnam.
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Data Availability Statement
All data, models, and code generated or used during the study appear in the published article.
Acknowledgments
This research is funded by Vietnam National Foundation for Science and Technology Development (NAFOSTED) under Grant No. 104.05-2019.336.
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© 2022 American Society of Civil Engineers.
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Received: May 31, 2022
Accepted: Oct 11, 2022
Published online: Dec 30, 2022
Published in print: Mar 1, 2023
Discussion open until: May 30, 2023
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