Constructing low cost Z-scheme catalyst g-C3N4/Al@CuO for enhanced lab to large scale environmental application

The green synthesis of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄)-supported aluminum-doped copper oxide (g-C₃N₄/Al@CuO) nanocomposites utilizing a co-precipitation approach with Turbinaria conoides seaweed extract as a stabilizing and reducing agent is presented in this work. XRD, HR-TEM, FT-IR, UV-DRS, and XPS were used to characterize structural, morphological, and optical properties. Better charge separation and electron mobility are made possible by the heterostructure’s development, which results in better redox behavior. The degradation of crystal violet (CV) under visible light irradiation was used to assess photocatalytic performance. In comparison to pure CuO and Al@CuO, the g-C₃N₄/Al@CuO nanocomposite had noticeably higher activity, reaching 92% degradation in 90 min. The synergistic interaction and ideal interfacial contact between g-C₃N₄ and Al@CuO are responsible for the enhanced performance. These results show the created nanocomposite’s potential for environmental cleanup powered by visible light.