Research 1: Heterojunction of (P, S) co-doped g-C3N4 and 2D TiO2 for improved carbamazepine and acetaminophen photocatalytic degradation

The first research article consisted on the synthesis of phosphorus and sulfur co-doped graphitic carbon nitride incorporated in 2D TiO2 structure for solar-driven degradation of emerging pollutants from the group of pharmaceuticals not susceptible to biodegradation. The hybrid photocatalysts with different loadings of (P, S)-doped g-C3N4 were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DR/UV-vis), photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The P, S-g-C3N4/TiO2 composite with optimal doping showed enhanced photocatalytic activity for carbamazepine and acetaminophen degradation. 100% degradation of CBZ (carbamazepine) was achieved in 30 minutes, and complete removal of ACT (acetaminophen) was observed in 120 minutes. The composite also showed high mineralization efficiency. Regarding reusability, the performance of (P, S)-doped g-C3N4/ 2D TiO2 (5%) photocatalyst was stable after subsequent cycles of carbamazepine and acetaminophen degradation.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2023.123320