An electron delocalization with n-π∗ transitions of graphitic carbon nitride photocatalyst for visible-light-driven water decontamination

Improving electron delocalization and optical absorption properties of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) is essential for enhancing the performance of photocatalytic wastewater treatment. Herein, an enhanced electron delocalization with activation n-pi(& lowast;) electronic transitions of g-C3N4 (TCNm) by embedding electron-rich pyrimidine units into the g-C3N4 skeleton was successfully fabricated. Experimental characterizations and density functional theory calculations demonstrated that the precise incorporation of pyrimidine units into the g-C3N4 skeleton reduces the degree of overlap of positive and negative charge centers, enhances the delocalization of conjugate electrons, and facilitates carrier separation. Furthermore, this novel structure introduced additional n-pi & lowast; electronic transitions, extending the light-absorbing edge beyond 700 nm. As a result, after 60 min of light irradiation, TCNm exhibited the highest kinetic constant (0.0287 min(-1)) in the degradation of tetracycline, which was similar to 3.8 times higher than that of pristine g-C3N4. In particular, the optimal antibacterial rate for Staphylococcus aureus reached 88.3% after 4 h of light exposure. These findings illustrate the remarkable potential of TCNm in addressing antibiotic and microbial contamination in water.