N–ZnO/g-C3N4 nanoflowers for enhanced photocatalytic and electrocatalytic performances

Abstract

In this study, CNNZO (N–ZnO/g-C3N4) nanocomposites were synthesized via a facile hydrothermal method and characterized using XRD, FTIR and FESEM. The resulting N–ZnO nano-needles and plate-like structures, anchored onto g-C3N4 agglomerates, formed distinctive nano-flower topography. CNNZO demonstrated superior photocatalytic activity compared to CN and N–ZnO, achieving ∼98 % degradation of Methylene Blue, 85.53 % of Methyl Green and 87.29 % of Methyl Orange under visible light irradiation within 90 min. This enhanced performance is attributed to the unique morphology of CNNZO, which promotes efficient charge carrier transfer and inhibits recombination. Additionally, CNNZO exhibited improved electrocatalytic activity with smaller HER and OER potentials. This study underscores the potential of CNNZO nanocomposites as effective catalysts for the degradation of organic contaminants and hydrogen and oxygen evolution for energy production.