Effect of fluorescence color of carbon quantum dots on the optical properties of LaFe0.5Cu0.5O3 nanocomposite and quinoline photocatalytic degradation

Abstract

The environmentally friendly semiconductor photocatalyst has tremendous potential for resolving wastewater pollution issues. This study describes the successful fabrication of a novel (LaFe0.5Cu0.5O3) LFC0.5/CQDs nanocomposite using a simple cryogenic-calcination method. The LFC0.5/G-CQDs composite displayed the greatest light absorption range and photogenerated carrier separation ability based on their various optical characteristics and electron transfer capabilities. Moreover, its quinoline degradation kinetics were 14 times greater than those of pure LFC0.5. According to the findings of a thorough investigation, this excellent photocatalytic performance may be ascribed to the synergistic effects of the up-converted fluorescent properties of G-CQDs, tuned band structure, and effective charge separation caused by the formation of heterojunction. Based on the findings of the experimental quenching, it was clear that the LFC0.5/G-CQDs photocatalytic process was dominated by the radicals ∙OH and ∙O2−. A potential Z-scheme heterojunction mechanism for quinoline degradation by LFC0.5/G-CQDs was elucidated using band structure analysis and EPR data. In addition, the composite photocatalyst LFC0.5/G-CQDs demonstrated excellent reusability over five cycles. In addition to developing highly efficient visible-light-driven photocatalysts for degrading Quinoline, this study suggests that implementing carbon quantum dots at the center of the main catalyst's luminescence will maximize light utilization and enhance photocatalytic performance.