Abstract
The aim of this work was to deposit cost-effective g-C3N4/ZnO nanocomposite photocatalysts (weight ratios of g-C3N4:ZnO from 0.05:1 to 3:1) as well as pure ZnO and g-C3N4 on Al2O3 foam and to study their photocatalytic efficiency for the photocatalytic decomposition of N2O, which was studied in a home-made batch photoreactor under ultraviolet A irradiation (λ = 365 nm). Based on the photocatalysis measurements, it was found that photocatalytic decomposition of N2O in the presence of all the prepared samples was significantly higher in comparison with photolysis. The photoactivity of the investigated nanocomposite photocatalysts increased in the following order: g-C3N4/ZnO (3:1) ≈ g-C3N4/ZnO (0.45:1) ≤ g-C3N4/ZnO (2:1) ZnO < g-C3N4 < g-C3N4/ZnO (0.05:1). The g-C3N4/ZnO (0.05:1) nanocomposite showed the best photocatalytic behavior and the most effective separation of photoinduced electron–hole pairs from all nanocomposites. The key roles played in photocatalytic activity were the electron–hole separation and the position and potential of the valence and conduction band. On the other hand, the specific surface area and band gap energy were not the significant factors in N2O photocatalytic decomposition. Immobilization of the photocatalyst on the foam permits facile manipulation after photocatalytic reaction and their repeated application.
Highlights
Nitrous oxide is one of the most important greenhouse gases and represents 6.4% of the total global radiative forcing
The nitrogen physisorption characterization technique was used for the specific surface area real content of ZnO in prepared samples was determined by atomic absorption determinationThe
The prepared nanocomposites were investigated for N2 O photocatalytic decomposition for the first time. g-C3 N4 addition positively affects the properties of the photocatalysts’ porous structure, significantly enhancing its specific surface area as well as the net pore volume
Summary
Nitrous oxide is one of the most important greenhouse gases and represents 6.4% of the total global radiative forcing. Its contribution to global warming is important, because it is nearly 300 times higher than that of carbon dioxide [1]. N2 O is a significant contributor to the destruction of the ozone layer in the stratosphere. The increase of N2 O emissions in the atmosphere (approximately 0.3% per year) is caused by anthropogenic activities [1]. Synthetic nitrogen fertilizers in agriculture, combustion (fossil fuel, biomass), and the production of adipic acid and nitric acid are among the main contributors to N2 O emissions. The decomposition of nitrous oxide into N2 and O2 offers a simple method for its transformation to natural air elements. Decomposition of N2 O under UV irradiation on semiconductor materials (Equation (1)) is one possible solution for its removal: N2 O
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