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Photocatalytic Degradation of Acetaminophen by g-C3N4/CQD/Ag Nanocomposites from Aqueous Media

Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Ternary g-C3N4/CQD/Ag photocatalysts were synthesized via deposition of carbon quantum dots (CQDs) and silver nanoparticles (Ag) onto graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) for efficient acetaminophen degradation. The nanocomposites exhibited enhanced photoresponse and broad-spectrum photocatalytic activity under both UV (254 nm, 250 W) and Xenon (>420 nm, 500 W) irradiation. Characterization by XRD, FTIR, SEM, PL, and EDX elucidated the material’s composition, structure, morphology, and optical properties. Optimized photocatalytic degradation of acetaminophen (50 mg/L) was achieved at pH 7 with 0.6 g/L catalyst loading and 60 min irradiation, yielding degradation efficiencies of 87.5% (UV) and 85.3% (Xenon). Radical quenching experiments and GC-MS analysis identified hydroxyl radicals as the primary reactive species and revealed a gradual decrease in intermediate toxicity during mineralization. This study demonstrates the superior photocatalytic performance of the ternary g-C3N4/CQD/Ag nanocomposites compared to binary systems for effective acetaminophen removal.
DOI: 10.3390/jcs9050197
Institutions: Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Lorestan University, Jiroft University of Medical Sciences, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Jiroft, Birjand University of Medical Sciences
Language: English
Field: Energy
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,172
OpenAlex ID: W4409687816
FWCI: 4.459
Cites: 101
Cited by: 32
Related to: 10