Zeolite-l doped graphitic carbon nitride nanocomposite for the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye

This study outlines an innovative process for synthesizing a photocatalyst by anchoring ZIF-8 onto graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets (ZGC), demonstrating superior catalytic efficiency in the photocatalytic degradation of Methylene Blue (MB). The synthesis was conducted using a hydrothermal approach, keeping the zeolite content constant while varying the GC composition. The successful preparation of the materials was verified and characterised through XRD, and FTIR, analyses while the reaction mechanism and degradation kinetics were extensively explored. It was observed from the kinetics plots that the fabricated nanocomposite exhibited significantly enhanced photocatalytic activity for MB degradation. Scavenger tests utilizing different compounds for trapping various radical species helped to determine the dominant reactive species in the degradation process. This work presents zeolite-GC based photocatalytic system with potential for large-scale applications in eliminating harmful pollutants.