Visible light response ZnO–C 3 N 4 thin film photocatalyst

Abstract Nanoflower‐like ZnO–C 3 N 4 thin film with a porous net structure was successfully synthesized by a simple chemical corrosion method. The prepared ZnO–C 3 N 4 thin films presented remarkable photocatalytic activities for the degradation of methyl orange under visible light irradiation, and more than 90% methyl orange was removed from water by ZnO–C 3 N 4 composite. Meanwhile, the ZnO–C 3 N 4 composite presented an enhanced photocatalytic stability. The loading content of C 3 N 4 had a great effect on the photocatalytic performance. Moreover, the photocatalytic activities were higher in acidic media than those in alkaline conditions. The adsorption of methyl orange was enhanced, and the recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes was suppressed with a suitable content of C 3 N 4 . However, too much loading content of C 3 N 4 resulted in a poor dispersion of C 3 N 4 as the aggregated C 3 N 4 can behave as recombination centers. In addition, the prepared ZnO–C 3 N 4 thin film can be used for the water splitting in water–methanol system under simulated solar light irradiation.