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Simultaneous morphology, band structure, and defect optimization of graphitic carbon nitride microsphere by the precursor concentration to boost photocatalytic activity

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 October 2018

Shuaijun Wang ,
Fengting He ,
Pei Dong Open the ORCID record for Pei Dong [Opens in a new window] ,
Zhaoxin Tai ,
Chaocheng Zhao Open the ORCID record for Chaocheng Zhao [Opens in a new window] ,
Yongqiang Wang ,
Fang Liu  and
Lin Li
Shuaijun Wang
Affiliation:
State Key Laboratory of Petroleum Pollution Control, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, People’s Republic of China
Fengting He
Affiliation:
State Key Laboratory of Petroleum Pollution Control, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, People’s Republic of China
Pei Dong
Affiliation:
State Key Laboratory of Petroleum Pollution Control, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, People’s Republic of China
Zhaoxin Tai
Affiliation:
State Key Laboratory of Petroleum Pollution Control, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, People’s Republic of China
Chaocheng Zhao*
Affiliation:
State Key Laboratory of Petroleum Pollution Control, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, People’s Republic of China
Yongqiang Wang
Affiliation:
State Key Laboratory of Petroleum Pollution Control, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, People’s Republic of China
Fang Liu
Affiliation:
State Key Laboratory of Petroleum Pollution Control, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, People’s Republic of China
Lin Li
Affiliation:
College of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266590, People’s Republic of China
*
a)Address all correspondence to this author. e-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) microspheres (CNMS) were fabricated via a solvothermal method by using dicyandiamide and cyanuric chloride as precursors. The morphology, band structure, and defects can be simultaneously regulated by merely adjusting the concentration of precursors. Structural characterization results indicate that all the prepared samples possess spherical morphology, while the band gap decreased as the precursor concentration increased from 8 mmol (CNMS-1) to 24 mmol (CNMS-3). Besides, ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy results suggested that the valence band of CNMS-2 (16 mmol) was much higher than that of CNMS-1 and CNMS-3. Additionally, organic elemental analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and electron paramagnetic resonance results unveil the formation of nitrogen defects on the surface of prepared samples. Besides, CNMS-2 exhibits an enhanced apparent reaction rate constant of RhB degradation than that of CNMS-1 and CNMS-3. The improved apparent reaction rate constant may be due to the lowered valence band as well as the formation of nitrogen defects. This work might guide the regulation of the morphology and band structure of g-C3N4-based materials prepared via the one-pot hydrothermal method.

Keywords

graphitic carbon nitride microspheresmorphologyband structurevisible-lightorganic pollutant
Type
Article
Information
Journal of Materials Research , Volume 33 , Issue 23 , 14 December 2018 , pp. 3917 - 3927
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2018 

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