Green synthesis of g-C3N4/CeO2 nanocomposites for enhanced photocatalytic degradation of organic dye under simulated sunlight

This study investigates the synthesis and photocatalytic efficiency of g-C3N4/CeO2 nanocomposites for Methylene Blue (MB) degradation under simulated sunlight. Using Cleistocalyx operculatus leaf extract as a green reducing agent, the nanocomposites were successfully synthesized. The g-C3N4/CeO2 (1:4) composite demonstrated a high surface area (130.54 m2/g) and a band gap of 2.49 eV, enhancing light absorption. Photocatalytic tests revealed that it achieved 95.70 % MB degradation, surpassing pure g-C3N4 (68.90 %) and CeO2 (72.12 %). The degradation followed pseudo-first-order kinetics, with a rate constant 6.08 times higher than CeO2 and 4.57 times higher than g-C3N4. This remarkable efficiency is attributed to the composite's large surface area, improved charge separation, and synergistic interaction between g-C3N4 and CeO2. These findings highlight the potential of g-C3N4/CeO2 nanocomposites as efficient, sustainable photocatalysts for organic dye degradation in wastewater treatment.