Solar Light Active Graphitic Carbon Nitride/Biochar Nanocomposite for RhB Dye Degradation

Abstract

AbstractIn this work, nanocomposite graphitic carbon nitride/biochar is successfully prepared by physical mixing method to achieve efficient charge separation and photodegradation of RhB dye under sunlight. The biochar is synthesized by heating biomass in muffle furnace in an inert atmosphere. The graphitic carbon nitride is prepared using melamine as a precursor and heating it in a muffle furnace in air atmosphere. The structural characterizations FTIR and X‐ray diffraction are done to confirm the functional groups and crystallography of prepared samples. The photodegradation of RhB dye by nanocomposite is analyzed using a UV–visible spectrophotometer under solar irradiation. It is found that the RhB dye is completely reduced by the nanocomposite in less than 6 min in the presence of sunlight. The kinetic study confirms the photodegradation of RhB dye is first order reaction and rate constant is found to be 0.31 min−1.