Mg/Li Co-doped g-C3N4: An excellent photocatalyst for wastewater remediation and hydrogen production applications towards sustainable development

Abstract

This study reports the one step synthesis of novel Mg/Li co-doped g-C3N4 (GCNML). It exhibited superior photoactivity in comparison to its mono-metallic counterparts and pristine g-C3N4 (GCNP). Synergistic effect of Mg and Li in GCNML can enhance rate of photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye to 0.04411 min−1 which is 5.4 times in contrast to GCNP. The pH of dye solution adjusted in alkaline range can further enhance its photocatalytic performance. The photo electrochemical studies show the high photocurrent density of 0.1258 mA/cm2 for GCNML which is 34 times to that of GCNP further supporting the synergetic effect of co-doping of Mg and Li. The improved photoactivity of photocatalyst is primarily attributed to better absorption ability of visible light, reduced optical band gap and retarded recombination rate of photo-induced h+- e− pairs and was not affected majorly by specific surface area of the respective materials. The antibacterial activity analysis further supports the potential application of prepared photocatalyst as a disinfectant agent against pathogenic bacterial strains (Escherichia Coli and Klebsiella pneumonia). Analysis in this study sustains the suitability of prepared photocatalyst as an efficient remediate of organic pollutants, water splitting, and bacterial disinfectant in wastewater.