Facile construction of CoWO4 modified g-C3N4 nanocomposites with enhanced photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation

Abstract

Semiconductor based photocatalyst have attracted great interest in energy and environments. CoWO4@g-C3N4 nano-composites were fabricated by a reflux-calcination method in the ratio of 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3 respectively. The structural, morphological, auto electrical properties of the prepared samples are thoroughly characterised by PXRD, SEM, UV-Vis DRS, PL, measurements. This effective excition separation leading to enhanced photocatalytic activity due to synergistic contact between CoWO4 and g-C3N4. The prepared photocatalysts shows excellent activities towards the degradation of ciprofloxacin under visible light illumination. As compared to neat g-C3N4 and CoWO4, the photocatalytic activity (20 ppm ciprofloxacine degradation) of CoWO4@g-C3N4 (1:2) nanocomposite is higher i.e.88%. Hydroxyl radical (center dot OH) and (center dot O-2(-)) were played crucial role in the photocatalytic degradation process, which is confirmed by trapping experiments. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.