Au-nanoparticle-loaded graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets: Green photocatalytic synthesis and application toward the degradation of organic pollutants

Abstract

Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) were loaded on graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3N4) nanosheets prepared by ultrasonication-assisted liquid exfoliation of bulk g-C3N4 via green photoreduction of Au(III) under visible light irradiation using g-C3N4 as an effective photocatalyst. The nanohybrids show superior photocatalytic activities for the decomposition of methyl orange under visible-light irradiation to bulk g-C3N4, g-C3N4 nanosheets, and AuNP/bulk g-C3N4 hybrids. © 2013 American Chemical Society.