Optimization Method Based on Simplex for Surface Area Improved Photocatalytic Performance of g-C3N4

Abstract

The main objective of the present study was to increase the specific surface area (SBET) of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) prepared from dicyandiamide by effectively modifying the synthesis procedure using the Simplex optimization method. A remarkable increase in SBET was achieved in only a few steps, with the highest value of 86 m2/g. Compared to the reference material, the improved photocatalyst exhibited enhanced and unique structural, textural, optical, and electronic properties, reflected in the improved ability of the photocatalyst to degrade a variety of organic pollutants dissolved in water. By performing scavenger and spin-trapping experiments, it was confirmed that the major reactive oxygen species formed under visible-light illumination of the enhanced photocatalyst were singlet oxygen (1O2) and superoxide anion radicals (O2-•) with a purposed formation mechanism. The enhanced formation of 1O2 enabled high activity and stability of the optimized materials as well as selective response to degradation of the pharmaceutical compounds studied. By using the simple and fast Simplex optimization algorithm to determine new synthesis parameters, we obtained an improved g-C3N4 that completely degrades bisphenol A under the conditions studied.