Influence of different Irradiation sources on the photocatalytic degradation of Rh-6G dye using g-C3N4 photocatalyst

Abstract The g-C 3 N 4 nanosheet photocatalyst was synthesized by a pyrolysis method. The g-C 3 N 4 nanosheets were used in the photocatalytic degradation of Rh-6G dye under three different light sources: sunlight, UV, and visible light. Its degradation efficiency to photodegrade the Rh-6G dye under these light sources was investigated. The sunlight showed the best degradation efficiency of 97.1% within 45 min, whereas the UV and visible light showed 98.5% and 90.1% efficiency in 300 min and 720 min, respectively. The · OH radical generation during the photocatalysis was analyzed using PL emission spectroscopy, and the hydroxyl radicals were so rapidly generated under sunlight compared to the other two radiations, and therefore, the g-C 3 N 4 showed the best degradation under sunlight. A thorough investigation on the type of active species contributed to the photodegradation, and a recyclability study was also done and g-C 3 N 4 morphology were analyzed before and after three consecutive cycles for three different irradiation sources. The degradation of Rh-6G’s primary m/z value of 443 to lower m/z values is evidence of the possibilities of CO 2 and H 2 O. These results have good potential for further improving photocatalytic application-oriented research for having a sustainable environment.