Dual Z-scheme heterojunction Ce2Sn2O7/Ag3PO4/V@g-C3N4 for increased photocatalytic degradation of the food additive tartrazine, in the presence of persulfate: Kinetics, toxicity, and density functional theory studies

• Published in: Environmental pollution (1987) 2024-09, Vol.356, p.124196, Article 124196
• Main Authors: Prasanna, Sanjay Ballur, Kumar, Gagankumar Sakleshpur, Sakthivel, Rajalakshmi, Shanthakumar, Karthik Chimatahalli, Lin, Lu-Yin, Duann, Yeh-Fang, Lin, Yu-Chien, Lu, Yu-Chun, Chung, Ren-Jei
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Density functional theory; Dual Z-scheme heterojunction; Kinetics; Persulfate activation; Tartrazine
• ISSN: 0269-7491; 1873-6424; 1873-6424
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124196

This study involved the synthesis of a Ce2Sn2O7/Ag3PO4/V@g-C3N4 composite through hydrothermal methods, followed by mechanical grinding. The resulting heterojunction exhibited improved catalytic activity under visible light by effectively separating electrons and holes (e−/h+). The degradation of Tartrazine (TTZ) reached 93.20% within 50 min by employing a ternary composite at a concentration of 10 mg L−1, along with 6 mg L−1 of PS. The highest pseudo-first-order kinetic constant (0.1273 min−1 and R2 = 0.951) was observed in this system. The dual Z-scheme heterojunction is developed by Ce2Sn2O7, Ag3PO4, and V@g-C3N4, and it may increase the visible light absorption range while also accelerating charge carrier transfer and separation between catalysts. The analysis of the vulnerability positions and degradation pathways of TTZ involved the utilization of density functional theory (DFT) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to examine the intermediate products. Therefore, Ce2Sn2O7/Ag3PO4/V@g-C3N4 is an excellent ternary nanocomposite for the remediation of pollutants. [Display omitted] •The Ce2Sn2O7/Ag3PO4/V@g-C3N4 heterojunction by PS activation to the removal of TTZ.•Photocatalyst exhibited excellent catalytic performance for TTZ removal (93.20%).•Scavenger's study showed SO4•‒, •OH, •O2−, and h+ were involved in TTZ degradation.•Dual Z-scheme mechanism of charge transfer for enhanced photocatalytic activity.•Energy-efficient visible light active photocatalysis with excellent reusability.