Reaction parameter optimization and photocatalytic activity of graphitic carbon nitride for the degradation of anionic and cationic dyes: A study on environmental remediation

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) was synthesized via a pyrolysis method and its properties were studied using X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, absorption spectroscopy, photoluminescence techniques, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis, and electron microscopy. The g-C3N4 was tested, under UV light irradiation, for the photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes methyl orange (MO) and methylene blue (MB) as target pollutants. of the dye concentration was optimized to be 0.01 mmol. The MO and MB dyes showed the highest degradation efficiency of 94.8% and 62.6% in 180 min and 300 min, respectively. The superoxide radicals were found to be dominant over other active species such as electrons, holes, and hydroxyl radicals in the photodegradation of MO dye whereas electrons were in MB degradation. The g-C3N4 showed good stability and recyclability, and therefore, it is affordable at industrial level application. The g-C3N4 photocatalyst is a promising photocatalytic material with good potential for pollutant removal application.