An advanced 2D/3D g-C_(3)N_(4)/TiO_(2)@MnO_(2) multifunctional membrane for sunlight-driven sustainable water purification

Graphitic carbon nitride(g-C_(3)N_(4))nanosheets have attracted widespread interest in the construction of advanced separation membranes.However,dense stacking and a single functionality have limited the membrane development.Here,an advanced two-/three-dimensional(2D/3D)g-C_(3)N_(4)/TiO_(2)@MnO_(2) membrane is constructed by intercalating 3D TiO_(2)@MnO_(2) nanostructures into g-C_(3)N_(4) nanosheets.The 3D flower-like nanostructures broaden the transport channels of the composite membrane.The membrane can effectively separate five oil-in-water(O/W)emulsions,with a maximum flux of 3265.67±15.01 L·m^(-2)·h^(-1)·bar^(-1) and a maximum efficiency of 99.69%±0.45%for toluene-in-water emulsion(T/W).Meanwhile,the TiO_(2)@MnO_(2) acts as an excellent electron acceptor and provides positive spatial separation of electrons–holes(e^(-)–h^(+)).The formation of 2D/3D heterojunctions allows the material with wider light absorption and smaller bandgap(2.10 eV).These photoelectric properties give the membrane good degradation of three different pollutants,with about 100%degradation for methylene blue(MB)and malachite green(MG).The photocatalytic antibacterial efficiency of the membrane is also about 100%.After cyclic experiment,the membrane maintains its original separation and photocatalytic capabilities.The remarkable multifunctional and self-cleaning properties of the g-C_(3)N_(4) based membrane represent its potential value for complex wastewater treatment.