Synthesis of BiVO4/g-C3N4 S-scheme heterojunction via a rapid and green microwave route for efficient removal of glyphosate

Construction of Fe and g-C3N4 codoped magnetic bamboo charcoal for enhanced catalytic degradation of tetracycline: Mechanism, degradation pathway, and ecological toxicity

The well-designed bamboo charcoal (BC) composite Fe-g-C3N4/BC with multi-active sites of FeOx, FeNx, and g-C3N4, was fabricated in-situ by calcining Fe-melamine loaded bamboo charcoal (Fe-Me-BC) under nitrogen atmosphere. The as-synthesized Fe-g-C3N4/BC(550) exhibited a mesoporous structure with a large specific surface area of 108.23 m2/g. The adsorption of tetracycline (TCL) on Fe-g-C3N4/BC(550) was calculated following the Langmuir isotherm model, and showed a maximum adsorption capacity of 19.92 mg/g. Furthermore, the pseudo-second-order kinetic model showed a good fit for the TCL adsorption process on Fe-g-C3N4/BC(550). The Fe-g-C3N4/BC(550)/H2O2 system exhibited excellent photo-Fenton catalytic performance in degrading TCL with a degradation efficiency reaching up to 98.9% within 5 min under visible-light. The effects of initial pH value and coexisting anions on TCL degradation were determined. As narrow band gap semiconductors, g-C3N4, Fe3O4, and Fe2O3 in the Fe-g-C3N4/BC exhibited good visible-light-driven photocatalytic activity. Moreover, photogenerated electrons could further activate H2O2 to produce high concentrations of ∙OH radicals. This outstanding photo-Fenton catalytic performance can be ascribed to the synergistic effect of g-C3N4/Fe3O4-Fe2O3/FexN multi-active sites as well as the excellent adsorption ability and conductivity provided by bamboo charcoal. This work presents a convenient approach for constructing economical catalysts for environmental remediation through g-C3N4 and Fe-N codoped BC.

Insights into engineered graphitic carbon nitride quantum dots for hazardous contaminants degradation in wastewater

Increased environmental pollution is a critical issue that must be addressed. Photocatalytic, adsorption, and membrane filtration methods are suitable in environmental governance because of their high selectivity, low cost, environment-friendly nature, and excellent treatment efficiency. Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) quantum dots (QDs) have been considered as photocatalysts, adsorbents, and membrane materials for wastewater treatments, owing to their stability, adsorption capacity, photochemical properties, and low toxicity and cost. This review summarizes g-C₃N₄ QD synthesis techniques, operating parameters affecting the removal performance in the treatment process, modification effects with other semiconductors, and benefits and drawbacks of g-C₃N₄ QD-based materials. Furthermore, this review discusses the practical applications of g-C₃N₄ QDs as adsorbents, photocatalysts, and membrane materials for organic and inorganic contaminant treatments and their value-added product formation potential. Modified g-C₃N₄ QD-based material adsorbents, photocatalysts, and membranes present potentially applicable effects, such as removal of most waterborne contaminants. Excellent results were obtained for the reduction of methyl orange, bisphenol A, tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, phenol, rhodamine B, E. coli, and Hg. Overall, this paper provides comprehensive background on g-C₃N₄ QD-based materials and their diverse applications in wastewater treatment, and it presents a foundation for the enhancement of similar unique materials in the future.

In-situ constructed 2D/2D ZnIn2S4/Bi4Ti3O12 S-scheme heterojunction for degradation of tetracycline: Performance and mechanism insights

Semiconductor materials dominated photocatalytic technology is one of the most efficient approaches to degrade organic pollutants. However, the limited light absorption range and rapid recombination of photogenerated carriers greatly restrict the application of photocatalysts. Rational design of photocatalysts to achieve high catalytic activity and stability is of great importance. Herein, ZnIn₂S₄/Bi₄Ti₃O₁₂ S-scheme heterojunction is synthesized by growing the ZnIn₂S₄ nanosheets on the sheet-like Bi₄Ti₃O₁₂ surface via a low-temperature solvothermal method. The TC removal efficiency of optimized heterojunction reaches 82.1% within 60 min under visible light, and the rate constant is nearly 6.8 times than that of pristine ZnIn₂S₄. The favorable photocatalytic performance of heterojunction is attributed to the tight contact interface and efficient separation of photogenerated carriers. Besides, the difference in work function between ZnIn₂S₄ and Bi₄Ti₃O₁₂ leads to band bending and the establishment of built-in electric field on the contact interface of heterojunction, which facilitates the migration and separation of photogenerated carriers. Furthermore, the cycling test demonstrates the attractive stability of heterojunction. The possible TC photodegradation pathways and toxicity assessment of the intermediates are also analyzed. In conclusion, this work provides an effective strategy to prepare S-scheme heterojunction photocatalysts with favorable photocatalytic activity, which can enhance wastewater purification efficiency.