GCN decorated manganese oxide for photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue

Abstract

We have synthesized different concentrations of graphitic carbon nitride (GCN) (20 %, 40 %, 60 %, and 80 %) decorated manganese oxide (Mn2O3) for photocatalytic degradation of the organic contaminant methylene blue (MB) in the current study. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) research was used to investigate the crystalline nature of synthesized GCN-coated Mn2O3. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis was used to investigate the surface morphology of produced materials. The element purity of GCN-adorned Mn2O3 materials was studied by energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) to identify the composition of elements. Fourier transformation infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to investigate the functional group analysis of synthesised GCN adorned Mn2O3. GCN adorned Mn2O3 materials with different concentrations of GCN (20 %, 40 %, 60 %, and 80 %) were used as photocatalysts for the degradation of MB dye. Under visible light illumination, 60 % of GCN decorated Mn2O3 demonstrated excellent photocatalytic performance for MB breakdown, with a capability of above 99%. When compared to other Mn2O3 materials, the improved photocatalytic activity was attributed to the good crystallinity, defined shape, superior optical band gap, and smaller particle size.