Z-Scheme Heterojunction-based Rod-shaped g-C3N5/ZIF-8: Enhancing Photocatalytic, Antibacterial and Hemolytic Activity

A simple, cost-effective one-pot synthesis route has been implemented to prepare a rod-shaped nitrogen-rich g-C₃N₅-modified ZIF-8 (Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8) as a Z-scheme heterojunction-based photocatalyst. The formation of nanocomposite g-C₃N₅/ZIF-8 was confirmed through various characterization techniques like XRD, FTIR, SEM, CHNS, UV-Vis DRS, XPS, BET, GC-MS, TOC, and EIS. To evaluate the photocatalytic performance, tetracycline hydrochloride was taken as the target pollutant. After successful characterization, photocatalytic and antibacterial activity was being checked. g-C₃N₅/ZIF-8 exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity (98% in 120 min with K_app 0.032 min^− 1 towards tetracycline hydrochloride degradation as compared to pristine ZIF-8 and g-C₃N₅). The improved photocatalytic performance is mainly attributed to the broadening of light absorption capacity, formation of Z-scheme heterojunction, creation of a charge transport pathway, and reduced electronic charge recombination, which reduces the degradation time. The composite proved its stability and sustainability through five consecutive cycles. After 120 min of light exposure, total organic carbon (TOC) level reach 73.7%, with the remainder attributed to the presence of other minor intermediates. Furthermore, the composite showed better antibacterial activity against 2 Gram-stained bacterial pathogens, E. coli and S. aureus, and was found to have no hemolytic behaviour towards blood cells, proving it an efficient catalyst for water purification and biomedical application.

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Graphical Abstract

Graphical portray of CN5/ZIF-8’s photocatalytic, hemolytic and antibacterial activity