MOF-derived TiO2 modified with g-C3N4 nanosheets for enhanced visible-light photocatalytic performance

Abstract

In this study, we synthesized MOF-derived TiO₂ modified with g-C₃N₄ nanosheets by using a mechanical agitation method with further heat treatment. The effect of g-C₃N₄ nanosheet incorporation ratio on the photocatalytic performance of the composites was studied. The physical and optical properties of the as-synthesized specimens were well characterized via multiple analytical techniques. The visible-light photocatalytic performance was evaluated using RhB as a model organic pollutant. Compared with pure TiO₂ and g-C₃N₄, the g-C₃N₄/TiO₂ photocatalysts exhibited superior visible-light photocatalytic activities. The optimized mass fraction of g-C₃N₄ is 1%, namely the g-C₃N₄ (1%)/TiO₂ specimen, which exhibited the highest photocatalytic performance. Based on the trapped active species, N₂ physisorption and photochemical experiments, the enhanced photocatalytic performance was ascribed to the accelerated separation rate of photogenerated charge carriers, the increased specific surface area, and the extended visible-light response range. Our current work demonstrated a potential route to develop high-performance photocatalysts in practical applications.