Novel ternary catalyst Ag2O/NCDs@ porous tubular g-C3N4 as efficient visible-light-driven peroxymonosulfate activator

Abstract

The photo-induced peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation method for the removal of emerging pollutants is regarded as a promising technique, and designing an effective and stable catalyst is the key. In the current work, a novel Ag2O nanoparticle and nitrogen-doped carbon dots (NCDs) modified porous tubular carbon nitride (Ag2O/NCDs@PTCN) catalyst was synthesized. The morphology, composition, and optical activities of the Ag2O/NCDs@PTCN were analyzed by TEM, XRD, XPS, and UV–vis, respectively. Catalytic degradation test results showed that the degradation efficiency of carbamazepine by Ag2O/NCDs@PTCN/Vis-PMS (0.1452 min−1) was greatly enhanced compared with Vis-PMS (0.0014 min−1). A series of mechanistic analysis indicated that both non-radical and radical played an important role in (1O2, h+, and O2•-) carbamazepine degradation. In addition, the Ag2O/NCDs@PTCN/Vis-PMS system showed low silver ion leaching, high adaptability to solution pH, and low toxicity of degradation products. This research may provide a green and hopeful practical application potential for degrading the persistent organic pollutants in the aquatic environment.