Engineering the nanostructure of iron-doped ZnO for the construction of Fe-ZnO/SGCN nanocomposites to enhance the spatial charge separation and their potential applications

Abstract

In this study, it is targeted to manufacture iron doped zinc oxide (Fe-ZnO) composite with sulphur doped graphitic carbon nitride (SGCN) in two steps using the sol–gel methodology. Initially, Fe (0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 wt%) was incorporated into ZnO nanostructure and its photocatalytic characteristics were examined against contaminant dye (methylene blue). 2% Fe-ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) showcased the best photocatalytic activity by degrading methylene blue (MB) dye completely under visible radiation, therefore it was opted for designing composites with SGCN. In the 1st step, SGCN was synthesized through thermal degradation of thiourea. In the 2nd step, 2% Fe-ZnO /SGCN heterostructure composite photocatalysts were prepared by incorporating 2% Fe-ZnO NPs with variable SGCN contents (i.e., 25, 50 & 75 wt%). The fabricated 2% Fe-ZnO/50% SGCN nanocomposite outperforms ZnOand other 2% Fe-ZnO/SGCN (25 & 75 wt%) nanocomposites (NCs) with respect to photocatalytic performance.