CNTs modified graphitic C3N4 with enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity for the degradation of organic pollutants

Abstract

Graphitic carbon nitride(C3N4)/carbon nanotubes (CNTs) composite photocatalyst was synthesised by a facile and simple method. The resulting graphitic C3N4/CNTs composite was characterised by X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy techniques. The results showed that the CNTs modified by polyvinylpyrrolidone could provide a large amount of space and support for the surface area of graphitic C3N4 so that the redox reaction was faster. Therefore, the photocatalytic properties of graphitic C3N4/CNTs composite could be greatly improved. Meanwhile, compared to the pure graphitic C3N4 the surface-modified graphitic C3N4/CNTs composite showed stronger photocatalytic activity in degradation of rhodamine B under visible-light irradiation, especially the graphitic C3N4/CNTs (0.03 wt.%). In addition, the results also showed that the photocatalytic properties of the optimised nanocomposites were not decreased obviously.