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Preparation of heterojunction C3N4/WO3 photocatalyst for degradation of microplastics in water
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Researchers synthesized a carbon nitride/tungsten oxide heterojunction photocatalyst that effectively degrades PET microplastics in water while simultaneously generating hydrogen, offering a dual-benefit approach to addressing plastic pollution through photocatalysis.
In this study, a WO/g-CN 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 WO crystal structure was achieved after 10 h of hydrothermal time, with particles of suitable size for uniform loading on the g-CN surface. SEM images showed the successful loading of WO 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 WO and g-CN. Photoluminescence measurements indicated a reduced rate of electron-hole pair recombination in the composite. The 30% WO/g-CN composite demonstrated a high H 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 ·O, during the reaction. Overall, the WO/g-CN composite exhibited promising potential for photocatalytic H production and PET degradation.
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