Effective heterointerface combination of 1D/2D Co-NiS/S-g-C3N4 heterojunction for boosting spatial charge separation with enhanced photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants and disinfection of pathogens

Abstract

The restricted visible light captivation and unwanted prompt recombination of photoinduced carriers remarkably hinder the activity of photocatalysts for the removal of organic pollutants. In this study, a new type heterojunction 1D/2D photocatalyst based on cobalt doped NiS nanorods (NRs) S-g-C 3 N 4 nanosheets (NSs) was effectively fabricated by self-assembly technique, and its photocatalytic performance for methylene blue (MB) degradation and antibacterial activity under visible light were explored. The quick electron transport of S-g-C 3 N 4 NSs and the compatible energy band positions of S-g-C 3 N 4 and 4% Co-NiS NRs synergistic accelerate the separation and transmission of e - and h + pairs across the Co-NiS/S-g-C 3 N 4 heterointerface. The as-constructed heterostructures were assessed by cutting-edge analytical techniques such as SEM, XRD, EDX, FTIR, TEM, UV–vis, XPS, PL, transient photocurrent and BET. Additionally, this rational design enriches visible-light absorption and demonstrates a high BET surface area. Advantaging from the combing effect of 1D and 2D nanostructures, the 25% Co-NiS/S-g-C 3 N 4 heterostructures achieve a significant photocatalytic MB removal rate of 98%, substantially enriched than that of undoped NiS NRs (32%), 4% Co-NiS NRs (55%) and S-g-C 3 N 4 (29%). Simultaneously, the inherent photo-corrosion feature of S-g-C 3 N 4 was stifled by concurrent coupling with Co-NiS NRs and modifying with Co, which was proved over a stability assessment with 6 repeated experimental results. Antibacterial activity of 25% 1D/2D Co-NiS/S-g-C 3 N 4 nanocomposites (NCs) alongside four bacterial species was explored by irradiation of visible light. Our findings highlight the inordinate distinction of the successful heterointerface coupling of Co-NiS/S-g-C 3 N 4 1D/2D heterojunction as a potential photocatalyst system for boosted photocatalytic removal of MB and decontamination of pathogens. • Novel cobalt modified 1D NiS NRs 2D S-g-C 3 N 4 NSs coupled heterojunction photocatalyst was constructed. • The superior visible light-harvesting ability of designed 1D/2D heterojunction. • The photocatalytic organic pollutants degradation activity of Co-NiS/S-g-C 3 N 4 is enlarged 3.34 times. • Rapid charge transportation found over 25% Co-NiS/S-g-C 3 N 4 heterojunction.