Novel graphitic-C3N4 nanosheets: enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity and photoelectrochemical detection of methylene blue dye

Abstract

The graphitic–C3N4 nanosheets were synthesised via direct pyrolysis of melamine followed by a thermal exfoliation. The structure, morphology, optical, and electronic properties were explored by comprehensive characterisation methods and the photocatalytic activities of the graphitic-C3N4 nanosheets were evaluated by the degradation of Rhodamine B under visible light irradiation. Moreover, the graphitic-C3N4 nanosheets were used to determinate the concentration of methylene blue. The results showed that graphitic-C3N4 nanosheets have the same structural feature with that of the bulk-C3N4. The enhancing photocatalytic performance of the graphitic-C3N4 nanosheets results from the more absorption and active sites, the improving separation efficiency of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. Moreover, the photocurrent intensity decreased with the increasing of methylene blue concentration, which makes graphitic-C3N4 nanosheets a promising sensor material for estimating the concentration of methylene blue.