Facile Fabrication of Fe₂O₃/Nitrogen Deficient g-C₃N_4-x Composite Catalysts with Enhanced Photocatalytic Performances

Abstract

The modification of graphitic carbon nitride can significantly improve the photocatalytic performance of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄). Fe₂O₃/nitrogen-deficient g-C₃N_4-x composite catalysts were prepared with dicyandiamide as the precursor and Fe³⁺ doped in this study. The composite catalysts were characterized by XRD, SEM, FT-IR, XPS and photocurrent measurements. Close interaction occurred between Fe₂O₃ and nitrogen deficient g-C₃N_4-x, more photogenerated electrons were created and effectively separated from the holes, resulting in a decrease of photocarrier recombination, and thus enhancing the photocurrent. Photocatalytic performance experiments showed that Fe₂O₃ / nitrogen deficient g-C₃N_4-x could utilize lowenergy visible light more efficiently than pure g-C₃N₄, and the removal rate was 92% in 60 minutes.

Keywords

Fe₂O₃/nitrogen deficient g-C₃N_4-x / characterization / carbon materials / heterojunction / efficient photocatalytic activity

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