Graphitic-like carbon nitride nanosheets sensitized ZnO nanoparticles for enhanced catalytic activity under natural sunlight

Abstract

In order to facilitate more efficient photocatalytic performance, the mechanical exfoliation method was used to prepare the well-dispersion graphite-like carbon nitride (g-C3N4) solution, and then zinc oxide/g-C3N4 (Z-g-C) hybrids were fabricated under low temperature via a hydrothermal method. Moreover, the catalytic performance of Z-g-C hybrids was studied by the removal of Rhodamine B under natural sunlight. Compared with g-C3N4 or ZnO nanoparticles, Z-g-C hybrids present better photocatalytic activity, which is as approximately 4.16 times as ZnO nanoparticles. The promoted photocatalytic performance results from the efficient interaction between ZnO and g-C3N4. The photo-induced electrons on g-C3N4 can be effectively transferred to ZnO, improving the catalytic performance of ZnO nanoparticles.