Rapid Preparation of C3N4/MgO Composites by Thermal Exfoliation Method and Their Photocatalytic Degradation Properties

Abstract

To enhance the photocatalytic performance of C₃N₄ materials, g-C₃N₄/MgO heterojunction composites were efficiently synthesized from C₃N₄ and Mg(OH)₂ through a rapid heat treatment method. The photocatalytic degradation efficacy of the catalysts was assessed using methylene blue as the target pollutant under simulated solar irradiation. The findings revealed that rapid heat treatment facilitated the oxidative and thermal exfoliation of C₃N₄ powders, which subsequently formed micron-scale agglomerates upon compositing with MgO derived from the decomposition of Mg(OH)₂. The resulting C₃N₄/MgO composites greatly broadened the spectrum of visible light utilization, thereby enhancing photocatalytic performance. Notably, the g-C₃N₄/10% MgO composites exhibited the highest activity, achieving a remarkable 99.2% degradation rate of a methylene blue solution at a concentration of 10 mg/L within 45 min of simulated solar exposure.