Ordered cubic mesoporous KIT-5 functionalized with g-C3N4 nano particles for the complete discoloration and degradation of cationic dye

Abstract

Mesoporous KIT-5 was functionalized with g-C3N4 nanoparticles using trichloroacetic acid and terephthalic acid as acid modulators under hydrothermal conditions. The surface morphology, elemental composition, stability, surface area, pore size and pore volume of the functionalized KIT-5-g-C3N4 nanomaterial were determined using SEM, EDAX, Zeta potential analysis and BET surface area analysis respectively. The functionalized mesoporous KIT-5 material was screened for cationic dye degradation. The material was found to decolorize and degrade the cationic dye methylene blue completely under visible light conditions. The adsorption and degradation of the dye by functionalized KIT-5-g-C3N4 nanomaterial were studied using UV spectrophotometer. The photo degradation efficiency of the functionalized KIT-5-g-C3N4 nanomaterial was found to be 85.5%. The recyclability and reusability of the functionalized KIT-5-g-C3N4 nanomaterial in dye degradation was studied. The mechanism for the successful dye degradation by functionalized KIT-5-g-C3N4 nanomaterial was also discussed based on electro static interaction.