Transparent g-C3N4 thin film: Enhanced photocatalytic performance and convenient recycling

• Published in: The Journal of physics and chemistry of solids 2021-08, Vol.155, p.110114, Article 110114
• Main Authors: Di, Jinghua, Lu, Ying, Wang, Wenwen, Wang, Xiuying, Yu, Chunling, Zhao, Jun, Zhang, Feng, Gao, Shiping
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cyano group; Photocatalytic; Recyclability; Thin film
• ISSN: 0022-3697; 1879-2553
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpcs.2021.110114

Efficient heterogeneous photocatalysis requires photocatalysts to possess high photocatalytic activity, good cycle stability and easy recyclability. In this paper, a g-C3N4 thin film has been successfully prepared utilizing a simple in-situ vapor deposition method using melamine and glass slide as the raw material and substrate, respectively. It was found that the g-C3N4 thin film could easily be separated from the glass slide in cold water and that cyano groups exist in its structure. The as-prepared g-C3N4 thin film can be used as a photocatalyst for the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) dye. Upon visible light irradiation for 80 min, the degradation rate of RhB could reach 85.9%. After five cycles, the degradation rate could still reach 80.2%. The superior photocatalytic performance was ascribed to the existence of cyano groups, which can improve the charge separation efficiency. It is worth noting that g-C3N4 thin film can be easily separated from the solution using a net and still maintain its structural integrity after the degradation experiment. [Display omitted] •A g−C3N4 thin film was prepared via a simple in-situ vapor deposition method.•The g−C3N4 thin film presents excellent photocatalytic performance and recyclability.•The existence of cyano groups improves the charge separation efficiency.