Interfacial coupling effect of high surface area Pyrochlore like Ce2Zr2O7 over 2D g-C3N4 sheet photoactive material for efficient removal of organic pollutants

Highly efficient, visible light active new hybrid pyrochlore like metal oxide based high surface area g-C3N4/Ce2Zr2O7 2D photocatalyst with enhanced efficiency has been successfully prepared using cost-effective hydrothermal technique. This work deliberates the photocatalytic removal of Rhodamine B and 4-Nitrophenol reduction through the prepared g-C3N4, Ce2Zr2O7 and 20:80 g-C3N4/Ce2Zr2O7 catalyst under direct solar radiation. The essential properties of the prepared photo-catalyst has been studied thoroughly. g-C3N4/Ce2Zr2O7 composition shows superior photocatalytic efficiency for the removal of Rhodamine B under the sunlight. The characterization result of Uv-Vis DRS, PL confirms that the g-C3N4/Ce2Zr2O7 possess a more visible spectral response and fast charge transfer. The interfacial charge transfer between the samples was confirmed by the electrochemical studies. Among the prepared catalyst, 20:80 g-C3N4/Ce2Zr2O7 compositions show the maximum catalytic reduction efficiency of 4-Nitrophenol and the Rhodamine B photocatalytic reaction within the time of 21 and 60 min respectively. The XPS measurement confirms the chemical state of the elements. The chemical bonding and their adverse effects were analyzed by the Raman and FTIR spectroscopy. Additionally, the higher degradation efficiency of the materials could be credited to the larger surface area and unique morphology of the synthesized particles with higher homogeneity. The charge transfer mechanism between the heterostructure and the photocatalytic reaction was predicted by trapping experiment. Based on trapping experiment results, the necessary charge transfer mechanism were proposed. Characterization of the used photocatalysts in pollutant removal reaction has signified the stability of the nanocomposites and also an additional benefit to our established photocatalytic system.