Photocatalytic Reduction of Hexavalent Chromium Using Cu3.21Bi4.79S9/g-C3N4 Nanocomposite

The photocatalytic reduction of hexavalent chromium, Cr(VI), to the trivalent species, Cr(III), has continued inspire synthesis novel photocatalysts that are capable achieving task converting Cr(VI) less toxic and more useful species. In this study, a functionalized graphitic carbon nitride (Cu3.21Bi4.79S9/gC3N4) was synthesized characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetry analysis (TGA), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning (SEM). composite used for under visible light irradiation. A 92.77% efficiency achieved at pH 2, about 10 mg photocatalyst mg/L solution. pseudo-first-order kinetic study indicated 0.0076 min−1, 0.0286 0.0393 min−1 rate constants nanoparticles, pristine gC3N4, nanocomposite, respectively. This an enhancement in gC3N4 1.37- 5.17-fold compared Cu3.21Bi4.79S9, how presence other contaminants including dye (bisphenol A) heavy-metal ions (Ag(I) Pb(II)) system affects process showed from 0.0019 0.0039 Finally, radical scavenging experiments main active species electrons (e−), hydroxyl radicals (·OH−), superoxide (·O2−). shows potential as sustainable materials removal Cr aqueous