Fabrication of g-C3N4/WO3 Nanocomposite for Efficient Visible Light Photocatalytic Degradation of Rhodamine B and Electrochemical Sensing of 2-Nitrophenol
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Date
2024
Journal Title
Catalysis Letters
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Springer
Abstract
In this study, a novel photocatalyst comprising graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) and tungsten oxide (WO3) in different weight ratios was fabricated through a facile synthesis method. The synthesized nanocomposites were characterized using various techniques including X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and UV�vis spectroscopy to elucidate their structural and optical properties. The photocatalytic performance of the g-C3N4/WO3 nanocomposite was evaluated for Rhodamine (RhB) degradation under visible light irradiation. Remarkably, the 3 wt�% g-C3N4/WO3 nanocomposite exhibited a superior degradation efficiency of 96% (rate constant ~ 0.02714�min?1) compared to pure g-C3N4 and WO3. The major role was played by both holes (h+) and superoxide anion radicals (�O2?) in the degradation process. This performance is attributed to the synergistic effect between the two components, which facilitated efficient charge separation leading to decreased recombination of photo-generated electron�hole pairs, and improved light absorption. Additionally, the optimized nanocomposite was employed for electrochemical detection of 2-nitrophenol (2-NP), showcasing remarkable sensitivity (limit of detection ~ 0.22��M) and selectivity towards 2-NP. This positions it as a promising candidate for environmental monitoring applications. In summary, this study underscores the potential of the g-C3N4/WO3 nanocomposite in wastewater treatment as a visible light photocatalyst, alongside its utility in electrochemical sensing of organic pollutants. Graphical Abstract: (Figure presented.) � The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2024.
Description
Keywords
Electrochemical sensing, g-C<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub>,WO<sub>3</sub>, Nitrophenol, Photocatalytic degradation, RhB