Zn-g-CN photocatalyst for dye photodegradation in aqueous medium its fabrication and characterization

Abstract

This study focuses on the formation of photocatalyts Zn/g-CN composite's, characterization, and inquiry for the degradation of Rhodamine B dye in aqueous medium. Thermal calcination of urea produced graphitic carbon nitride (g-CN). The heterojunction between Zn and g-CN increased the photocatalytic activity of g-CN. Zn and g-CN were subjected to a 3-hour, 550°C thermal treatment in a muffle furnace to create the heterojunction. Various analytical techniques like scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and UVvisible spectroscopy were applied for the investigation of physicochemical properties of synthesized g-CN and Zn/g-CN composite. Analyzing the catalytic breakdown of dyes under the influence of sun light was done in a Pyrex glass beaker. For the study of dye degradation, the impact of various experimental variables including catalyst dose, temperature, and dye concentration was examined. The UV-visible spectrophotometer was used to evaluate the reaction mixture. The findings showed that Zn/g-CN nanocomposite has superior catalytic properties to pure g-CN. Using the Arrhenius equation, the activation energy of the catalyst for the degradation of rhodamine B dye was found to be 30.06 kJ/mol, significantly less than the activation energy of bare g-CN, which was 40.06 kJ/mol.