Yonggong Tang , Ziran Zhang , Fan Wu , Tao Xu , Yelei Li , Xin Zhou , Yuwei Pan , Guangyu Wu
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Developing heterojunction photocatalysts represents a promising strategy to improve photocatalytic efficiency in wastewater treatment and address the greenhouse effect. This investigation involved the creation of a new Fe2O3/g-C3N4 heterojunction photocatalyst (FC-X) through a simple hydrothermal process to overcome these obstacles. The optimized FC-8 composite exhibited a high photocatalytic activity, achieving a 95.5 % degradation of RhB within 180 min and a CH4 production rate of 19.72 μmol g−1·h−1 when exposed to visible light, demonstrating a reaction rate constant of 7.02∗10−3 min−1, which is 1.63 and 1.75 times greater than pure Fe2O3 and g-C3N4, respectively. Additionally, FC-8 exhibited an enhanced CO2 reduction rate, producing CH4 at 19.72 μmol g−1·h−1, surpassing Fe2O3 and g-C3N4 by 1.91 and 8.12 times, respectively. Structural, optical, and electrochemical characterizations confirmed that the enhanced performance originates from efficient charge separation and a lower carrier recombination rate at the heterojunction interface. Active species trapping experiments showed singlet oxygen (1O2), superoxide radicals (O2•-) and hydroxyl radicals (•OH) drive RhB degradation, with 1O2 being the dominant contributor. The FC-8 photocatalyst also exhibited excellent stability, retaining over 90 % efficiency after four cycles. This study introduces an encouraging approach to developing heterojunction photocatalysts aimed at sustainable wastewater treatment and CO2 transformation.
期刊介绍:
The Environmental Research journal presents a broad range of interdisciplinary research, focused on addressing worldwide environmental concerns and featuring innovative findings. Our publication strives to explore relevant anthropogenic issues across various environmental sectors, showcasing practical applications in real-life settings.