Influence of different Irradiation sources on the photocatalytic degradation of Rh-6G dye using g-C3N4 photocatalyst

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The g-C3N4 nanosheet photocatalyst was synthesized by a pyrolysis method. The g-C3N4 nanosheets were used in the photocatalytic degradation of Rh-6G dye under three different light sources: sunlight, UV, and visible light. Its degradation efficiency to photodegrade the Rh-6G dye under these light sources was investigated. The sunlight showed the best degradation efficiency of 97.1% within 45 min, whereas the UV and visible light showed 98.5% and 90.1% efficiency in 300 min and 720 min, respectively. The ·OH radical generation during the photocatalysis was analyzed using PL emission spectroscopy, and the hydroxyl radicals were so rapidly generated under sunlight compared to the other two radiations, and therefore, the g-C3N4 showed the best degradation under sunlight. A thorough investigation on the type of active species contributed to the photodegradation, and a recyclability study was also done and g-C3N4 morphology were analyzed before and after three consecutive cycles for three different irradiation sources. The degradation of Rh-6G’s primary m/z value of 443 to lower m/z values is evidence of the possibilities of CO2 and H2O. These results have good potential for further improving photocatalytic application-oriented research for having a sustainable environment.