Improvement of visible light-induced photocatalytic performance by Cr-doped SrTiO_3-carbon nitride intercalation compound (CNIC) composite

Novel organic-inorganic composite photocatalyst offers new opportunities in the practical applications of photocatalysis. Novel visible light-induced Cr-doped Sr Ti O3–carbon nitride intercalation compound(CNIC) composite photocatalysts were synthesized. The composite photocatalyst was characterized by X-ray diffraction(XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy(FESEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy(HRTEM), Fourier transform infrared(FT-IR) spectroscopy, UV-vis diffuse reflection spectroscopy, photoluminescence(PL) spectroscopy, and BET surface area analyzer. The photocatalytic oxidation ability of the novel composite photocatalyst was evaluated using methyl orange(MO) as a target pollutant. The photocatalysts exhibited a significantly enhanced photocatalytic performance in degrading MO. For maximizing the photodegradation activity of the composite photocatalysts, the optimal CNIC content was determined. The improved photocatalytic activity of the as-prepared Cr-doped Sr Ti O3–CNIC composite photocatalyst may be attributed to the enhancement of photo-generated electron–hole separations at the interface.

Synthesis of ZnGaNO solid solution–carbon nitride intercalation compound composite for improved visible light photocatalytic activity

Visible-light-driven ZnGaNO solid solution–carbon nitride intercalation compound(CNIC) composite photocatalyst was synthesized via a mixing and heating method. The composite photocatalyst was characterized by X-ray diffraction(XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy(FESEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy(HRTEM), Fourier transform infrared(FT-IR) spectroscopy, UV-vis diffuse reflection spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS), photoluminescence(PL) spectroscopy and BET surface area measurements. The activity of ZnGaNO–CNIC composite photocatalyst for photodegradation of methyl orange(MO) is higher than that of either single-phase CNIC or ZnGaNO solid solution. The as-prepared composite photocatalysts exhibit an improved photocatalytic activity due to enhancement for the separation and transport of photo-generated electron–hole pairs.