Integration between CuMOF and g-C3N4 for effective suppressing charge recombination in photocatalytic peroxymonosulfate activation

Abstract

In this work, CuMOF and graphite phase carbon nitride (g-C3N4) composite was synthesized, and tetracycline hydrochloride (TC) in water was degraded under simulated solar light irradiation with the assistance of peroxymonosulfate (PMS). The prepared g-C3N4/CuMOF samples were characterized by XRD, FT-IR, SEM, TEM and XPS. It is found that the introduction of CuMOF into g-C3N4 was not only beneficial to the charge separation of g-C3N4, but also greatly accelerated the activation of PMS. Through the initial pH value, PMS concentration, catalyst concentration, catalyst repeated use and other factors, the degradation performance of g-C3N4/CuMOF was studied. The photocatalytic experiment results showed that in the presence of PMS, the degradation rate of TC reached 90 % within 30 min. In addition, the reaction mechanism of the g-C3N4/CuMOF/PMS system was studied by using scavenging experiments and electron spin resonance (ESR) technology. This work provides a promising way for the rational design of high-performance and low-cost photocatalysts for environmental remediation.