Enhanced Sonocatalytic Performance of Non-Metal Graphitic Carbon Nitride (g-C3N4)/Coconut Shell Husk Derived-Carbon Composite

Abstract

This study focused on the modification of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) using carbon which was obtained from the pyrolysis of coconut shell husk. The sonocatalytic performance of the synthesized samples was then studied through the degradation of malachite green. In this work, pure g-C3N4, pure carbon and carbon/g-C3N4 composites (C/g-C3N4) at different weight percentages were prepared and characterized by using XRD, SEM-EDX, FTIR, TGA and surface analysis. The effect of carbon amount in the C/g-C3N4 composites on the sonocatalytic performance was studied and 10 wt% C/g-C3N4 showed the best catalytic activity. The optimization study was conducted by using response surface methodology (RSM) with a central composite design (CCD) model. Three experimental parameters were selected in RSM including initial dye concentration (20 to 25 ppm), initial catalyst loading (0.3 to 0.5 g/L), and solution pH (4 to 8). The model obtained was found to be significant and reliable with R2 value (0.9862) close to unity. The degradation efficiency of malachite green was optimized at 97.11% under the conditions with initial dye concentration = 20 ppm, initial catalyst loading = 0.5 g/L, solution pH = 8 after 10 min. The reusability study revealed the high stability of 10 wt% C/g-C3N4 as sonocatalyst. In short, 10 wt% C/g-C3N4 has a high potential for industrial application since it is cost effective, reusable, sustainable, and provides good sonocatalytic performance.

Application of Photocatalysis and Sonocatalysis for Treatment of Organic Dye Wastewater and the Synergistic Effect of Ultrasound and Light

“…To enhance the efficiency of the sonocatalytic process, it is essential to understand the underlying mechanisms of sonocatalysis [74]. Figure 2 depicts the major processes involved in sonocatalysis elucidated by extensive studies conducted in the field [75,76]. In general, the sonolytic removal of organic pollutants involves oxidation through both pyrolysis and free radical attack [67].…”

“…To enhance the efficiency of the sonocatalytic process, it is essential to understand the underlying mechanisms of sonocatalysis [74]. Figure 2 depicts the major processes involved in sonocatalysis elucidated by extensive studies conducted in the field [75,76].…”

Removal of Malachite Green Dye from Water Using MXene (Ti3C2) Nanosheets

“…Over the past few years, various technologies such as photocatalytic degradation [8,9], sonocatalytic degradation [10], biodegradation [11], reductive decolorization [12], ultra-filtration membranes [13], and adsorption [14] have been used for water treatment. The remediation of MG dye-polluted water by the adsorption process has received significant attention from environmentalists and researchers because the process is promising, efficient, technically feasible, and economically viable for wastewater treatment [14][15][16][17][18].…”