The integrated production of ultrathing-C3N4and membrane assisted by edible syrup for the sustained photocatalytic treatment of Cr(VI) and tetracycline.

ABSTRACT

The exfoliation of bulk raw graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) by edible glucose syrup to produce ultrathing-C3N4nanosheets in concentrations of up to 0.2 mg ml-1was achieved. Detailed characterization through TEM, AFM, FT-IR, XRD, Raman and TGA confirmed the formation of ultrathin structure and improved properties. Compared to rawg-C3N4, the prepared thing-C3N4layers exhibited a 18-fold enhancement in Cr(VI) reduction and a 3-fold enhancement in tetracycline hydrochloride degradation, which is ascribed to their larger specific surface area and more exposed active sites. The layeredg-C3N4membrane was constructed via direct vacuum filtration. The layer-stackedg-C3N4nanosheet membrane exhibited an excellent and sustained photocatalytic performance as the prepared thing-C3N4layers could maintain a layered lamella after stacking in filtration process. The recyclable synthesis of ultrathing-C3N4layers and layer-stackedg-C3N4membrane by our method provides a sustainable strategy to pollution treatment by 2D materials.