Synergistic effects of holey nanosheet and sulfur-doping on the photocatalytic activity of carbon nitride towards NO removal

Zheng Qi ¹, Jinbao Chen ², Weichuang Zhou ¹

⁰Key Laboratory of Catalysis and Materials Science of the State Ethnic Affairs Commission & Ministry of Education, College of Resources and Environment, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan 430074, China.

Chemosphere +

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January 15, 2023

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This study introduces sulfur-doped graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) nanosheets for efficient NOx elimination. The novel material significantly enhances photocatalytic NO removal, offering a sustainable environmental solution.

Area Of Science

Materials Science
Environmental Chemistry
Photocatalysis

Background

Photocatalysis offers a sustainable route for nitrogen oxides (NOx) removal.
Challenges in NOx photocatalytic elimination include limited light absorption and charge carrier recombination.
Developing efficient and stable photocatalysts is crucial for environmental remediation.

Purpose Of The Study

To synthesize and characterize holey sulfur-doped g-C3N4 nanosheets (CNN-S) for enhanced photocatalytic NOx elimination.
To investigate the impact of sulfur doping and nanosheet structure on photocatalytic activity.
To understand the mechanism behind the improved performance of sulfur-doped g-C3N4.

Main Methods

Direct calcination of hydrolyzed dicyandiamide and thioacetamide to produce CNN-S.
Characterization of material properties, including specific surface area.
Evaluation of photocatalytic NO removal efficiency under visible light irradiation.
Systematic study of the effect of sulfur content on performance.
Density functional theory (DFT) calculations to explore reactant adsorption and activation.

Main Results

Sulfur-doped g-C3N4 nanosheets (CNN-S) exhibited significantly higher specific surface area compared to bulk g-C3N4.
Photocatalytic NO removal rate increased from 17% (bulk) to 35% (pristine nanosheets) and 53% (optimized sulfur-doped sample, CNN-S0.5).
Enhanced performance is attributed to improved visible light absorption, increased surface area, and efficient charge carrier separation/transfer.
DFT calculations confirmed sulfur doping enhances reactant adsorption and activation on the catalyst surface.

Conclusions

Holey sulfur-doped g-C3N4 nanosheets are highly effective photocatalysts for NOx elimination.
The synergistic effects of nanosheet structure and sulfur doping are key to enhanced photoreactivity.
This work presents a promising strategy for developing advanced catalysts for environmental purification.

Keywords:

Carbon nitride NO Photocatalytic oxidation Sulfur Visible light