Enhanced paracetamol photodegradation over synthesized TiO2/g-C3N4 nanocomposites: Effect of g-C3N4 loading on the properties and performance

Abstract

Water pollution has been a consistent issue faced by mankind worldwide. With the increase in world population and rapid urbanization, it has become even more concerning, especially with the detection of new pollutants such as pharmaceutical and personal care products. These compounds must be removed to minimize the adverse effects on all living beings, and one effective method for their elimination is through photocatalytic degradation. In this study, titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) was synthesized and nanocomposites were formed with addition of graphitic carbon nitride (GCN) where its loading was varied. These materials were then characterized and used as catalysts to degrade paracetamol, a pharmaceutical product. Structural analysis showed that GCN is present in the nanocomposites indicating the successful modification. Nanocomposites exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity with the highest degradation rate of 0.0364 min−1 was obtained using 2 wt% GCN loading with experimental conditions of an initial paracetamol concentration of 10 ppm, a catalyst dosage of 0.2 g and a pH 5. The synergistic effect that occurred between the two components in the nanocomposites contributed to the high photocatalytic activity, compared to its singular component which is lacking this factor. Overall, nanocomposites have good potential to be used to remove pharmaceutical products from wastewater.