ZnAl-LDH and B-impregnated polymeric semiconductor (g-C3N4) for solar light-driven photocatalysis to treat phenolic effluent

The structural transformation of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) has been done by means of Zinc Aluminium layered double hydroxide (ZnAl-LDH), and a non-metal, i.e. boron impregnation to enhance its visible light absorption. Optical and morphological study intimates that an altered band assembly formed due to the impregnation, resulting in a shorten bandgap in conjunction with the development of an irregular hexagonally interrelated morphology. In addition, the impregnated g-C3N4 (40% B-g-C3N4 and 30%ZnAl-LDH/g-C3N4) owns an expanded surface area of 14.3137, and 26.292 m(2)/g, which demonstrate 90.25, 86.31% degradation in phenol at 270 min illumination, with 700 mg/L of chemical oxidant concentration, and 5 L/h of flowrate, whereas under same conditions g-C3N4 impart 62.38% degradation. We hope this study will open a new dimensions for the sustainable use of solar energy for environmental applications. (C) 2021 Published by Elsevier B.V.