Novel hierarchical nanocomposites of g-C3N4/MXene-Sm2O3 for enhanced cefixime degradation under visible light

• Published in: The Journal of physics and chemistry of solids Vol. 190; p. 112011
• Main Authors: Pushpa Valli, K.S., Jelastin Kala, S. Mary, Selvam, V., Anitha, C., Malathi, B., Prakash, K.S., Karutha Pandian, S.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.07.2024
• Subjects: Cefixime; Degradation; Mxene; Photocatalyst; Sonication; Degradation; Sonication; Mxene; Cefixime; Photocatalyst
• ISSN: 0022-3697; 1879-2553
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpcs.2024.112011

Photocatalysis's potential to mitigate water scarcity and environmental concerns by harnessing the ample solar energy resources is the primary factor driving its increasing popularity. Co-precipitation was used to create the photocatalyst, and XRD studies later verified that composites had been formed. Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) verified that the addition of Sm2O3 to the composites increased their band gap energy. The g-C3N4/Mxene composites showed a sheet-like structure during SEM and TEM examination, with spherical Sm2O3 particles scattered over these sheets. Sm metal was also confirmed to be present in the composites by EDX analysis. BET experiments indicated that the addition of Sm2O3 raised the surface area from 183.6 cm2g-1 to 260.3 cm2g-1. A significant 92% degradation of Cefixime over five consecutive runs was seen at the most favourable conditions, which included a pH of 6, a photocatalyst concentration of 0.30 g L⁻³, and a 10% Sm2O3 content in the nanocomposites. [Display omitted] •Sm2O3@Mxene/C3N4, synthesized via a co-precipitation method.•The band gap of nanocomposites is 2.25 eV.•Nanocomposite exhibits 96% degradation of cefixime.•After five consecutive runs 91% degradation of cefixime.