Carbon quantum dots-modified reduced ultrathin g-C3N4 with strong photoredox capacity for broad spectrum-driven PPCPs remediation in natural water matrices

• Published in: Chemical engineering journal (Lausanne, Switzerland : 1996) Switzerland : 1996), 2021-09, Vol.420, p.129935, Article 129935
• Main Authors: Jin, Xiaoyu, Wu, Yuliang, Wang, Yingfei, Lin, Zili, Liang, Danluo, Zheng, Xiaoshan, Wei, Dandan, Liu, Haijin, Lv, Wenying, Liu, Guoguang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Carbon quantum dots; Graphitic carbon nitride; Hydroxyl radicals; Pharmaceutical and personal care products
• ISSN: 1385-8947; 1873-3212
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2021.129935

[Display omitted] •Carbon quantum dots-modified reduced ultrathin g-C3N4 (RUCN/CQD) was prepared with facile method.•The RUCN/CQD possessed enhanced photoresponse and photoredox activities.•The RUCN/CQD exhibited superior photocatalytic activities in simulated natural conditions. Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) has been extensively applied for the photocatalytic degradation of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs); however, its catalytic performance remains restricted by a poor photoresponse and modest photoredox capacity toward the generation of free radicals. Herein, a novel carbon quantum dots-modified reduced ultrathin g-C3N4 (RUCN/CQD) photocatalyst was successfully synthesized, with the capacity for direct •OH and O2•− yields and a broad-spectrum response. Upon broad-spectrum light irradiation, the RUCN/CQD demonstrated a 100% removal rate for diclofenac (DCF) within six min. This remarkable performance was attributed to a customized band structure with a thermodynamic driving potential for the generation of •OH, CQD with an effective electron transfer capacity for promotional formation of O2•−, and ultrathin porous structure with abundant reaction sites. Simultaneously, the up-converted fluorescent properties of the CQD endowed the photocatalyst with a broad-spectrum response. The RUCN/CQD system also exhibited superior photocatalytic activities under simulated natural conditions, which implied an immense potential for the remediation of PPCPs in ambient waterways.