Advanced Synthesis of Ag-Doped g-C3N4/NiFe-LDH Photocatalyst via Spin Disc Reactor for Enhanced RhB Dye Degradation

Abstract

The use of semiconductors for photocatalysis is rising as they can harness sunlight as a renewable energy source to counter clean energy and environmental challenges. However, we are still unable to produce efficient catalysts at the industrial level. For this study, we propose a novel synthesis approach for photocatalysts via a spin disk reactor. The reactor provides a continuous and scalable fabrication route for bimetallic photocatalysts, presented for the first time in this study. In contrast to conventional batch synthesis, the spin disk reactor ensures enhanced uniformity and reproducibility. A z-scheme heterojunction was constructed between NiFe-LDH and g-C₃N₄ nanosheets to mitigate the \(\:{e}^{-}/{h}^{+}\) recombination. The doping with Ag nanoparticles enhanced the charge transportation and separation, leading to augmented activity. Further, the photocatalysts were tested for Rhodamine B degradation, a known textile effluent severely affecting marine life. Relevant characterizations of the prepared catalysts were carried out, and the Ag-doped catalyst had the highest specific surface area of 89 m²/g of all prepared catalysts. The photocatalytic degradation of the Rhodamine B model solution demonstrated that the Ag-doped g-C₃N₄@NiFe-LDH displayed the highest degradation efficiency of 99% within 240 min, and it followed the pseudo-first-order reaction kinetics. The properties and degradation performance of materials fabricated through a spin disk reactor are comparable to those reported in other pertinent studies. The remarkable charge mobility and elevated performance can be attributed to Ag’s local surface plasmon resonance effect. The research results are promising for developing efficient photocatalysts at an industrial scale for wastewater treatment applications.

Graphical Abstract