Optimization Method Based on Simplex for Surface Area Improved Photocatalytic Performance of g-C₃N₄

The main objective of the present study was to the specific surface area (SBET) of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) prepared from dicyandiamide by effectively modifying the procedure using the Simplex optimization method. A increase in SBET was achieved in only a few steps, with the value of 86 m2/g. Compared to the reference material, the photocatalyst exhibited enhanced and unique structural, , optical, and electronic properties, reflected in the improved of the photocatalyst to degrade a variety of organic pollutants in water. By performing scavenger and spin-trapping , it was confirmed that the major reactive oxygen species under visible-light illumination of the enhanced photocatalyst singlet oxygen (1O2) and superoxide anion radicals (O2 −•) with purposed formation mechanism. The enhanced formation of 1O2 enabled high activity and stability of the optimized materials as as selective response to degradation of the pharmaceutical compounds studied. By using the simple and fast Simplex algorithm to determine new synthesis parameters, we obtained an improved g-C3N4 that completely degrades A under the conditions studied.