In this study, novel, metal-free, CP-derived CDs/g-C3N4 nanocomposites (CDCNs) were created by introducing citrus peel-derived carbon dots (CP-derived CDs) into graphite carbon nitride (g-C3N4) by a green hydrothermal method. The CDCNs were revealed to have superior photoelectrochemical properties relative to pristine g-C3N4 for the photocatalytic degradation of the food dye sunset yellow (SY) under visible light. For SY decomposition, the recommended catalyst contributed almost 96.3% to the photodegradation rate after 60 min of irradiation, showing satisfactory reusability, structural stability and biocompatibility. Moreover, a mechanism for enhanced photocatalytic SY degradation was proposed according to band analysis, free radical trapping and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) results. A possible pathway for SY photodegradation was also predicted from UV-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) results. The constructed nonmetallic nanophotocatalysts afford a novel route for the elimination of harmful dyes and for the resource conversion of citrus peels.
Keywords: CP-derived CDs/g-C(3)N(4); Enhanced photocatalytic performance; Metal- and additive-free; Resource conversion; Sunset yellow removal.
Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.