Integrating 2D graphitic carbon nitride with Gd2S3 nanoparticles towards development of multiutility water treatment nanomaterial: synergistic effects on electrochemical dopamine sensing and photocatalytic degradation of contaminants

Abstract

This study envisages the utilization of unique properties of Gd₂S₃ and 2D graphitic carbon nitride towards the development of novel multiutility water treatment nanomaterial. The g-C₃N₄/Gd₂S₃ as a novel nanomaterial with desirably tuned properties was characterized by standard techniques, like PXRD, SEM, UV-visible spectroscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), to thoroughly analyze the synthesized material. The observed results signify synergism of individual properties of pristine constituents on g-C₃N₄/Gd₂S₃ composite formation adding suitability towards the electrochemical sensing and photocatalytic applications. The g-C₃N₄/Gd₂S₃ nanocomposite material was optimized for electrochemical detection of dopamine (DA). Electrochemical studies with composite modified glassy carbon electrode under neutral pH conditions indicated good sensitivity over an optimum operational range, paving the way for potential applications in dopamine sensing. Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) results demonstrated a linear concentration range spanning from 0.5 to 200 μM, with the lowest (1.2 nM) limit of detection. The desired modulation of photocatalytic descriptors (band gap, recombination rate, charge carrier concentration, and flat band potentials) on composite formation were utilized in visible light degradation of methylene blue and rhodamine B as representative contaminants. The g-C₃N₄/Gd₂S₃ nanocomposite exhibited favorable qualities of environmentally viable operational conditions, catalytic reproducibility, stability, and selectivity, highlighting its potential for real-time application.