Non-destructive covalent surface alkylation of graphitic carbon nitride for enhanced photocatalytic dye degradation in water
FlatChem, vol.43, 2024 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 43
- Publication Date: 2024
- Doi Number: 10.1016/j.flatc.2023.100599
- Journal Name: FlatChem
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
- Keywords: Dye degradation, Graphitic carbon nitride, Non-destructive alkylation, Oxygen-rich photocatalyst, Rhodamine B
- Istanbul University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Graphitic carbon nitride (g-CN) is a promising material for various applications due to its unique electronic, optical, and photocatalytic properties, tunable by surface modifications. Herein, a novel and straightforward approach to the covalent addition of low molecular weight polyethylene glycol (PEG550) to g-CNs surface following non-destructive chemistry benefiting from simultaneous activation of hydroxyl and free-amine surface groups by a weak base, potassium carbonate, is for the first time described. The resulting g-CN-PEG550 exhibits almost two-fold enhanced water solubility due to 1 PEG550 chain addition for every ∼ 128 g-CN atoms, detected by thermogravimetric analysis. Complementary X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy elemental analysis of the isolated g-CN-PEG550 displays an increased C─O chemical environment attributed to the covalent addition of carbon- and oxygen-rich PEG550 to the g-CN surface. The g-CN-PEG550 photocatalyst performs 2.5-fold better in degrading rhodamine B due to its enhanced light absorption, improved water-dispersibility, and the efficient separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs compared to the as-prepared g-CN. The study underscores the potential use of covalently PEGylated oxygen-rich g-CNs in photocatalytic applications.