Utilization of dual Z-scheme charge transfer mechanism in novel WO3-coupled α-Fe2O3/g-C3N4 ternary nanocomposite with enriched visible-light photocatalytic degradation for emerging organic pollutants

Abstract

The growing concerns over water pollution have necessitated the development of advanced photocatalytic materials for environmental remediation. This study introduces a novel WO3/α-Fe2O3/g-C3N4 (WFGC) ternary nanocomposite that was synthesised via feasible calcination with hydrothermal methods and investigated by various characterization analyses to explore the crystal structures, functional groups, surface morphology, chemical characteristics and optical properties respectively. The photocatalytic efficiency of the WFGC composite was evaluated by degrading methylene blue (MB) and crystal violet (CV) under visible-light influence, achieving remarkable degradation rates of 87.6 % and 73.4 %, respectively, within 70 minutes. The boosted degradation efficiency is attributed to the dual Z-Scheme heterojunction charge transfer way, which improves sustained charge separation capability while inhibiting recombination under visible-light impact. Moreover, the quenching trials exposed that distinct superoxide radicals (•O2-) and photo-holes (h+) played a crucial part in the degradation reaction, and the probable dual Z-scheme charge transfer path mechanism for promoted ternary WFGC photocatalysts was also proposed. This study underscores the potential of WFGC composites for practical applications in wastewater treatment, offering a sustainable and efficient alternative for environmental clean-up.