SnS2 based SnS2/rGO/g-C3N4 Z-scheme ternary nanocomposites for efficient visible light-driven photocatalytic activity

Abstract

Novel ternary composite photocatalyst SnS2/rGO/g-C3N4 in a Z-scheme configuration was synthesized using hydrothermal method for the degradation of dye pollutants from the industrial wastes. To enhance photocatalytic effectiveness, we employed Z-scheme architecture by utilizing SnS2 as a semiconductor with the unique electronic properties of rGO and g-C3N4 for promoting efficient charge separation. The synthesized ternary composite materials were characterized by various spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. The photocatalytic activities of these samples were evaluated through the degradation of Methylene Blue (MB) dye under visible light. Notably, the catalysts SnS2, SnS2/rGO, SnS2/g-C3N4, and SnS2/rGO/g-C3N4 exhibited degradation efficiencies of 55%, 57%, 64%, and 86%, respectively, after 70 min. Among these, the ternary composite catalyst of SnS2/rGO/g-C3N4 exhibited enhanced degradation performance. Furthermore, when exposed to visible light, the unique crisscross morphology and Z scheme architecture effectively promote light utilization efficiency, providing ample reactive sites and leading to a higher degradation percentage. Further optimization of experiments for this composite material involved in varying catalyst loadings, dye concentrations, and pH levels. The SnS2/rGO/g-C3N4 composite exhibited optimal degradation performance with 5 mg catalyst in a 25 ppm MB solution within 100 ml. This composite was identified for the first time as an excellent visible light-driven photocatalyst for MB, displaying high degradation efficiencies. These findings emphasize the promising potential of the SnS2/rGO/g-C3N4 ternary nanocomposite for applications in visible light-driven photocatalysis.