Preparation of heterojunction C3N4/WO3 photocatalyst for degradation of microplastics in water

• Published in: Chemosphere (Oxford) Vol. 337; p. 139206
• Main Authors: Wang, Xiang, Zhu, Zhihao, Jiang, Jinwei, Li, Ruiling, Xiong, Junjie
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.10.2023
• Subjects: Adsorption; Graphitic carbon nitride; Photocatalysis; Polyethylene terephthalate; Tungsten oxide; Polyethylene terephthalate; Tungsten oxide; Adsorption; Photocatalysis; Graphitic carbon nitride
• ISSN: 0045-6535; 1879-1298
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139206

In this study, a WO3/g-C3N4 composite photocatalyst was synthesized via a hydrothermal method and characterized for its potential application in photocatalytic H2 generation from PET degradation. XRD analysis revealed that the hexagonal WO3 crystal structure was achieved after 10 h of hydrothermal time, with particles of suitable size for uniform loading on the g-C3N4 surface. SEM images showed the successful loading of WO3 nanorods onto the g-C3N4 surface, significantly increasing the specific surface area. FTIR and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy confirmed the formation of a Z-type heterojunction between WO3 and g-C3N4. Photoluminescence measurements indicated a reduced rate of electron-hole pair recombination in the composite. The 30% WO3/g-C3N4 composite demonstrated a high H2 evolution rate of 14.21 mM and excellent stability in PET solution under visible light irradiation. 1H NMR and EPR spectroscopy analyses revealed the degradation of PET into small molecular compounds and the generation of active radicals, including ·O2−, during the reaction. Overall, the WO3/g-C3N4 composite exhibited promising potential for photocatalytic H2 production and PET degradation. [Display omitted] •C3N4/WO3 photocatalyst were successfully synthesiszed•Photocatalytic removal of microplastics from water activated by visible light.•The by-products from microplastics degradation are considered to have low toxicity.•Degradation efficiency and applied system limitations are proposed.