Facile green synthesis of Sm2O3@g-C3N4 for enhanced photocatalytic and catalytic degradation of organic pollutant

A simple and easy green synthesis of samarium oxide nanoparticles (Sm2O3 NPs) was prepared using Sapindus emarginatus stem bark extract and anchored over graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) surface. The synthesized materials characterized by UV-Visible, XRD, SEM, TEM, FT-IR and Raman spectroscopy ensured the development of Sm2O3 NPs anchored over the g-C3N4 surface. The prepared catalyst was utilized for chromium VI (Cr VI) and 2-chloro phenol (2-CP) degradation through visible light photocatalysis. The optimization of operational parameters, like the effect of catalyst dosage, H2O2 concentration and slurry pH, was performed. The results exhibited that compared to pristine g-C3N4, photocatalytic efficacy was enhanced two-fold in Sm2O3@g-C3N4. From the varied Sm(2)O(3 )content of 5; 10; and 20%wt., it was also found that the highest photoactivity was achieved by the composite having 10%wt. of Sm2O3 content. The high effectivity was showed by degradation efficiency of 95% toward Cr(VI) and 82% toward 2-CP. This enhanced photocatalytic performance was originated from characteristics of the hybrid formed between the Sm2O3 and g-C(3)N(4 )so that it improved the effective charge transfer through interfacial interactions between both components. The examination on effect of scavengers suggests that Z-scheme involved in the photocatalytic mechanism which facilitated the efficient separation of the photogenerated electron-hole pairs under visible light illumination.