The integrated production of ultrathin g-C3N4 and membrane assisted by edible syrup for the sustained photocatalytic treatment of Cr(VI) and tetracycline

Abstract

The exfoliation of bulk raw graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) by edible glucose syrup to produce ultrathin g-C3N4 nanosheets in concentrations of up to 0.2 mg ml−1 was achieved. Detailed characterization through TEM, AFM, FT-IR, XRD, Raman and TGA confirmed the formation of ultrathin structure and improved properties. Compared to raw g-C3N4, the prepared thin g-C3N4 layers exhibited a 18-fold enhancement in Cr(VI) reduction and a 3-fold enhancement in tetracycline hydrochloride degradation, which is ascribed to their larger specific surface area and more exposed active sites. The layered g-C3N4 membrane was constructed via direct vacuum filtration. The layer-stacked g-C3N4 nanosheet membrane exhibited an excellent and sustained photocatalytic performance as the prepared thin g-C3N4 layers could maintain a layered lamella after stacking in filtration process. The recyclable synthesis of ultrathin g-C3N4 layers and layer-stacked g-C3N4 membrane by our method provides a sustainable strategy to pollution treatment by 2D materials.