Efficient C3N4/graphene oxide macroscopic aerogel visible-light photocatalyst

Abstract

The development of efficient visible-light responsive macroscopic photocatalysts is crucial for the commercialization of photocatalysis due to the difficult recovery process of photocatalyst nanoparticles. However, it remains a great challenge to achieve macroscopic photocatalysts which cannot only be successfully recycled, but also possess admirable visible-light driven photocatalytic activity. Here we report a one-step cryodesiccation route to fabricate ultra-light and recyclable C₃N₄/graphene oxide (GO) aerogel. This simple and mild synthesis means that it can be carried out in various containers, which greatly extends the shape and size of C₃N₄/GO aerogel. The obtained aerogel exhibits both an excellent adsorption capacity for oil, organic solvents, and dyes, and an enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity toward the degradation of dyes and the oxidation of NO at a ppb level. The successful fabrication of such a fascinating multifunctional aerogel paves the way to integrate 2D lamellar powders into 3D macroscopic photocatalysts for commercial applications in photocatalysis as well as oil remediation.