Graphitic
carbon nitride (g-CN) has gained significant popularity
as a visible-light-activated photocatalyst in energy and environmental
applications. Most papers are dedicated to improving its photocatalytic
performance; however, an investigation of its adsorption performance
not only expands its application scope but also provides insight into
its surface interactions. Herein, sodium-doped g-CN (Na(x)-CN) is synthesized via one-step pyrolysis of the
mixture of melamine and sodium carbonate (Na2CO3). The prepared Na(x)-CN not only demonstrates
superior adsorption capacities (maximum adsorption capacity of methylene
blue up to 1319 mg/g, which is ∼650 times higher than that
of the pristine g-CN) but also overcomes the lack of selectivity and
slow adsorption kinetics of commonly used adsorbents. The extraordinary
adsorption capacities are mainly attributed to π–π
interactions and electrostatic interactions. Moreover, the Na2CO3-assisted synthesis route improved the optical
properties and photocarrier separation efficiency, which are beneficial
for further removal of contaminants via photodegradation. This work
introduces a facile route for mass production of Na-doped g-CN with
excellent adsorption capacities and selectivity as well as enhanced
photocatalytic performance.
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