Synthesis of ZnGaNO solid solution–carbon nitride intercalation compound composite for improved visible light photocatalytic activity

Abstract

Visible-light-driven ZnGaNO solid solution–carbon nitride intercalation compound (CNIC) composite photocatalyst was synthesized via a mixing and heating method. The composite photocatalyst was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, UV-vis diffuse reflection spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy and BET surface area measurements. The activity of ZnGaNO–CNIC composite photocatalyst for photodegradation of methyl orange (MO) is higher than that of either single-phase CNIC or ZnGaNO solid solution. The as-prepared composite photocatalysts exhibit an improved photocatalytic activity due to enhancement for the separation and transport of photo-generated electron–hole pairs.