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Biphasic g-C3N4-AgI nanocomposites and their applications in methylene orange degradation, the hydrogen evolution reaction and antimicrobial activity

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: In this study, pure g-C 3 N 4 , AgI, and biphasic g-C 3 N 4 -AgI nanomaterials were synthesized for photocatalytic and antimicrobial applications. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was used to reduce surface agglomeration in the biphasic g-C 3 N 4 -AgI nanomaterial. The synthesized materials were characterized by XRD, BET, SEM, HR-TEM, EDS, SAED, DRS, PL, and EIS to study surface phase, surface area, surface morphologies, elemental composition, optical properties, and electron-hole pairs separation efficiencies. The XRD pattern of the AgI and g-C 3 N 4 appeared in the g-C 3 N 4 -AgI nanocomposite, which confirms the successful integration of AgI into the g-C 3 N 4 matrix. The calculated band gap energy of the g-C 3 N 4 , AgI and g-C 3 N 4 -AgI nanomaterials was 2.75 eV, 2.63 eV and 2.35 eV. The reduced bandgap of the biphasic is due to the synergetic effects of the single materials. The BET results showed a significant increase in surface area for the g-C 3 N 4 -AgI (98 m 2 /g) compared to AgI (20 m 2 /g) and g-C 3 N 4 (32 m 2 /g). This surface area modification in turn enhanced the catalytic potential of the g-C 3 N 4 -AgI composite. The antibacterial and photocatalytic potentials of all the as-synthesized materials were examined. The maximum photodegradation (94.5%) and hydrogen production (623 μmol/g) rates were observed for the g-C 3 N 4 -AgI composite. Higher inhibition zones of 20.6 ± 0.34 and 21.8 ± 0.36 mm were observed at 100 μg/mL of g-C 3 N 4 -AgI against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli , respectively, as compared to other synthesized materials. These results indicate that g-C 3 N 4 -AgI nanocomposite exhibited the highest levels of dye degradation, hydrogen production, and bacteriostatic action.

Source: Journal of Science Advanced Materials and Devices

DOI: 10.1016/j.jsamd.2025.101026

Authors: Teketel Girma Gindose, Tarekegn Getinet Admasu, Enyew Amare Zereffa, Tesfay G. Ashebr, Fikre Elemo Ayamlo, Fedlu Kedir Sabir, Fanyana M. Mtunzi, Edward Ndumiso Nxumalo, Bikila Alemu, Temesgen Achamo Orshiso, Tsegaye Belege Atisme

Institutions: Wolkite University, Addis Ababa Science and Technology University, Ethiopian Forestry Development, Adama Science and Technology University, Vaal University of Technology, University of South Africa, Haramaya University

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Photocatalysis Techniques

Subfield: Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

Field: Energy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,300

OpenAlex ID: W4415534948

FWCI: 0.142

Cites: 46

Cited by: 1

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