Magnetic perovskite nanohybrid based on g-C3N4 nanosheets for photodegradation of toxic environmental pollutants under short-time visible irradiation

Abstract

In this study, a magnetic perovskite nanohybrid based on g-C3N4 (gCN) nanosheets was synthesized and developed for the efficient photodegradation of toxic environmental pollutants under short-time visible irradiation. The synthesis of this nanohybrid involved the incorporation of SrTiO3:N (STO:N) and ZnFe2O4 (ZnF) onto the g-C3N4 nanosheets through a simple reflux method. Our investigation encompassed a comprehensive suite of analytical techniques, including BET, TGA, TEM, SEM, EDX, DRS, VSM, XRD, photocurrent, and FT-IR, to elucidate the physicochemical characteristics of this nanocomposite in the context of its application in photodegradation processes. The nanohybrid displayed significantly enhanced photocatalytic activity compared to its individual components, achieving a degradation efficiency of over 90% for various pollutants, including organic dyes like Rhodamine B (Rh-B), within a short irradiation time. This enhanced activity can be attributed to the synergistic effect between gCN, STO:N, and ZnF, which promotes the generation of reactive oxygen species and facilitates the degradation process. Notably, the nanocomposite containing 20 wt% STO:N perovskite and 20 wt% ZnF demonstrated the highest Rh-B degradation rate under visible light irradiation within just 30 min. Furthermore, the nanohybrid displayed excellent stability and reusability over seven consecutive runs, retaining its high photocatalytic activity even after multiple cycles of degradation. This remarkable performance can be attributed to the strong interaction between the gCN nanosheets and the magnetic perovskite components, which prevents their aggregation and ensures their efficient utilization. Additionally, the nanohybrid exhibited excellent visible light absorption, enabling the utilization of a wider range of light for degradation. This feature is particularly advantageous, as visible light is more abundant in sunlight compared to UV light, rendering the nanohybrid suitable for practical applications under natural sunlight. In conclusion, the ternary gCN-STO:N@ZnF nanocomposite represents a promising candidate for the treatment of organic pollutants in aqueous environments, offering a versatile and efficient solution.