Fast g-C3N4 sonocoated activated carbon for enhanced solar photocatalytic oxidation of organic pollutants through Adsorb & Shuttle process
Meriem Mergbi, Dominic Aboagye, Sandra Contreras, Hédi Ben Amor, F. Medina, Ridha Djellabi
Abstract
To solve low mass transfer in photocatalytic technology for water treatment, the combination of photoactive nanoparticles with highly adsorptive materials has been regarded as a successful approach. The optimization of photoactive particle coating in terms of dispersion on the surface of adsorbing support is the main key to reach a maximum synergism for pollutants removal. This study discusses the coating of as-prepared biomass based activated carbon by g-C3N4 using three routes, namely ball milling ([email protected]), physical stirring ([email protected]) and ultrasonic assisted coating ([email protected]). The coating mechanisms by different processes were discussed using different characterization techniques. Ball milling based coating provides good g-C3N4 dispersion on the surface of AC, however, a partial degradation of g-C3N4 structure and a lower surface area were confirmed by FTIR, XRD and BET analysis. Physically designed sample shows a significant agglomeration of particles on the surface of AC. However, ultrasonic coating provides excellent distribution of g-C3N4 and high surface of the composite. In terms of photoactivity, [email protected] exhibits the lowest adsorption and photocatalytic activity under solar light for the removal of ciprofloxacin. [email protected] showed medium performance, but less physical stability of g-C3N4 particles on AC, leading to their partial release. [email protected] showed the highest efficiency and stability after using; suggesting the good combination between g-C3N4 and AC, which in turn maximizes the removal of ciprofloxacin Adsorb & shuttle process. The overall costs of composite, including the starting elements and the coating ultrasonic process are relatively low and green as compared to common reported routes.