Laser-assisted preparation of C3N4/Fe2O3/Au nanocomposite: a magnetic reusable catalyst for pollutant degradation

Abstract

Abstract: Assorted common contaminants namely organic dyes and nitro compounds are generated by various industries and have caused alarming problems for the environment and humans. The development of effective and newer methods to eliminate these contaminants is imperative. One effective way to eliminate these pollutants is to deploy sustainable heterogeneous catalyst systems. Accordingly, a novel and efficient magnetic nanocomposite catalyst comprising graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4), gold (Au), and hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanoparticles (C3N4/Fe2O3/Au) is prepared through a cost-effective and green method. The individual components, g-C3N4 and Au nanoparticles (NPs), are prepared via thermal decomposition of urea and laser ablation in liquid, respectively. The behavior of C3N4/Fe2O3/Au nanocomposite as a catalyst for the borohydride reduction of methyl orange (MO) dye and 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) in aqueous solution, is illustrated. Graphic abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]