Synthesis of a novel ternary (g-C3N4 nanosheets loaded with Mo doped ZnOnanoparticles) nanocomposite for superior photocatalytic and antibacterial applications

Abstract

This article reports the synthesis of a novel ternary Visible-Light-Driven (VLD) photocatalyst and antibacterial agent. The two-dimensional graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets (g-C3N4 NSs) and 7% molybdenum doped zinc oxide nanoparticles (Mo doped ZnO NPs) were used for the synthesis of the 65% g-C3N4 hybridized with 7% Mo doped ZnO novel ternary nanocomposite (Mo doped ZnO/g-C3N4 ternary NC). The synthesis process, as well as the structures, morphologies, photocatalytic and antibacterial properties of the synthesized ternary NC and constituents, were investigated by using several spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. It was revealed through the Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) characterization of the synthesized NC that the Mo doped ZnO NPs were found uniformly embedded upon the well-stacked g-C3N4NSs. It was further discovered by the bandgap analysis that the light absorbance ability of the ternary NC exists in the visible region of the light spectrum. The photocatalytic degradation of the methylene blue (MB) by the use of novel ternary NC in an aqueous medium was analyzed while using Ultra Violet-Visible (UV-Visible) spectroscopy. Trapping experiments of active species during the photodegradation and Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) experiment revealed that the superoxide and hydroxyl radicals were the leading species liable for MB deterioration. The ternary NC exhibited superior photocatalytic performance as compared with binary doped or hybridized nanomaterials (NMs) and mono photocatalysts due to the facility of effective migration and separation of the charge carriers across the (Mo doped ZnO NPs)/g-C3N4 NSs interface of the heterojunction. The increased generation of the reactive oxygen species (ROS), O2−, and •OH radicals the photogenerated charge carriers within the Mo doped ZnO/g-C3N4 NC were found responsible for its enhanced antibacterial performance.