Photocatalytic behavior of biochar-modified carbon nitride with enriched visible-light reactivity

Ultra-thin layered structures and modified bandgaps are two efficient strategies to increase the photocatalytic performance of various materials for the semiconductor industry. In the present study, we combined both strategies in one material to form carbon-doped graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) nano-layered structures by the method of melamine thermal condensation, in the presence of different mass ratios of biochar. The characterization showed that the composite with the best ratio retained the g-C₃N₄ polymeric framework and the bond with g-C₃N₄. The biochar was established via π-π stacking interactions and ether bond bridges. The π-conjugated electron systems provided from biochar can elevate charge separation efficiency. The ultra-thin structure also curtailed the distance of photogenerated electrons migrating to the surface and enlarge specific surface area of materials. The presence of carbon narrowed the bandgap and increased light absorption at a wider range of wavelengths of g-C₃N₄. The biochar/melamine ratio of 1:15 presented the best performance, 2.8 and 5 times faster than g-C₃N₄ degradating Rhodamine and Methyl Orange, respectively. Moreover, the catalyst presented a good stability for 4 cycles. In addition to that, biochar from waste biomass can be considered a sustainable, cost-effective, and efficient option to modify g-C₃N₄-based photocatalysts.