Ultrathin g-C3N5 nanosheets: A sustainable metal-free photocatalyst for efficient ciprofloxacin degradation

Abstract

Two-dimensional nanomaterials possess unique electrical, mechanical, and catalytic properties, primarily attributed to their high surface-to-volume ratio and exceptional light absorption capabilities. However, developing simple and efficient methods for synthesizing 2D nanosheets remains a significant challenge. This study presents a facile and effective strategy for the synthesis of ultrathin 2D g-C₃N₅ nanosheets through thermal polymerization and ultrasonication-assisted exfoliation technique. The almost total elimination of ciprofloxacin could be accomplished within 1.5 h, with a rate constant of 0.0286 min⁻¹. The synthesized nanosheets were meticulously characterized for their structural and morphological properties through a variety of analytical techniques. TEM confirmed its ultrathin layered structure, while XRD, FT-IR, and XPS provided comprehensive insights into their elemental composition. The improved photocatalytic activity of ultrathin 2D g-C₃N₅ nanosheets is primarily related to the increase in visible light absorption and electron–hole separation, as this was demonstrated by many distinct characterizations.