Photocatalytic Degradation of Diclofenac by Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Quantum Dot-Graphitic Carbon Nitride (CNQD)

In this study nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots/graphitic nitride nanosheet (CNQD) composites with different contents of dots (NCQDs; 2, 4, 6, and 8 wt%) were synthesized. The morphological, physicochemical, photoelectrochemical properties investigated using complementary methods such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), powder X-ray diffraction (pXRD), photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), UV/Vis in diffuse reflectance (DRS), photoluminescence (PL), nitrogen physisorption (BET), photocurrent response, electrochemical impedance (EIS). photocatalytic activity the synthesized materials was assessed during diclofenac (DCF) degradation an aqueous solution under visible light irradiation. As a result, improved efficiency DCF observed for all CNQD compared bulk graphitic (bCN) g-C3N4 (CNS). fastest 6 wt% NCQD on surface CNS (CNQD-6), which removed 62% 3 h, associated k value 5.41 × 10−3 min−1. performance test results confirmed contribution NCQDs to enhancing activity, leading improvement factor 1.24 over bCN. morphology synergistic interaction between essential elements activity. data analyses showed efficient migration photoexcited electrons from CNS. reduced charge recombination rates photocatalysts might be due unique up-conversion NCQDs. Further investigations revealed that photogenerated superoxide radicals (•O2−) predominated DCF, photocatalyst had good reusability toxicity reduction abilities. This work provides insight into effects enhance its potential remove emerging organic pollutants water wastewater.