Anchoring spinel NiCr2O4 nanoparticles on tubular g-C3N4: Efficacious p- n heterojunction photocatalysts for removal of tetracycline hydrochloride under visible light

This study reports anchoring spinel NiCr2O4 nanoparticles over tubular g-C3N4 (TGC) through a facile process. The features of resultant photocatalysts were characterized via various analyses to perusal phase, optical, elemental, morphological, and electrochemical properties. Among the binary photocatalysts, the TGC/NiCr2O4 (20%) composite exhibited superior performance in the removal of tetracycline, which was 29.7 and 2.22-folds as much as the pristine g-C3N4 (abbreviated as GC) and TGC materials, respectively. Interestingly, the binary photocatalyst displayed tremendous activity in the visible-light degradation of cationic and anionic dye pollutants. The Mott-Schottky, EIS, photocurrent density, and PL analyses, along with scavenger tests confirmed the formation of a type II heterojunction between p-NiCr2O4 and n-TGC semiconductors, which resulted in effectual transfer and segregation of the photoinduced charges re-inforced by the constructed electric field. The trapping results disclosed that the holes and superoxide anion radicals play major role in the photocatalytic degradation reaction. Considering the superior activity in visible-light-triggered degradation of different pollutants, high stability, and facile synthesis method, this binary photocatalyst is recommended as a sustainable photocatalyst for environmental applications.(c) 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.