Integrating 2D graphitic carbon nitride with Gd2S3 nanoparticles towards development of multiutility water treatment nanomaterial: synergistic effects on electrochemical dopamine sensing and photocatalytic degradation of contaminants

• Published in: New journal of chemistry Vol. 48; no. 37; pp. 16461 - 16474
• Main Authors: Zia ul Haq, Firdous Ahmad Ganaie, Sajad Ahmad Bhat, Nazir, Irfan, Qureashi, Aaliya, Arshid Bashir, Masood Ahmad Rizvi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge Royal Society of Chemistry 23.09.2024
• Subjects: Carbon; Carbon nitride; Carrier density; Carrier recombination; Contaminants; Current carriers; Dopamine; Electrochemical analysis; Electrons; Glassy carbon; Methylene blue; Nanocomposites; Nanomaterials; Photocatalysis; Photodegradation; Real time; Rhodamine; Spectrum analysis; Synergistic effect; Water treatment
• DOI: 10.1039/d4nj01770f
• ISSN: 1144-0546

This study envisages the utilization of unique properties of Gd2S3 and 2D graphitic carbon nitride towards the development of novel multiutility water treatment nanomaterial. The g-C3N4/Gd2S3 as a novel nanomaterial with desirably tuned properties was characterized by standard techniques, like PXRD, SEM, UV-visible spectroscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), to thoroughly analyze the synthesized material. The observed results signify synergism of individual properties of pristine constituents on g-C3N4/Gd2S3 composite formation adding suitability towards the electrochemical sensing and photocatalytic applications. The g-C3N4/Gd2S3 nanocomposite material was optimized for electrochemical detection of dopamine (DA). Electrochemical studies with composite modified glassy carbon electrode under neutral pH conditions indicated good sensitivity over an optimum operational range, paving the way for potential applications in dopamine sensing. Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) results demonstrated a linear concentration range spanning from 0.5 to 200 μM, with the lowest (1.2 nM) limit of detection. The desired modulation of photocatalytic descriptors (band gap, recombination rate, charge carrier concentration, and flat band potentials) on composite formation were utilized in visible light degradation of methylene blue and rhodamine B as representative contaminants. The g-C3N4/Gd2S3 nanocomposite exhibited favorable qualities of environmentally viable operational conditions, catalytic reproducibility, stability, and selectivity, highlighting its potential for real-time application.