PES-Ag3PO4/g-C3N4 mixed matrix film photocatalyst for degradation of methyl orange dye

• Main Authors: Mohamad Mukhair, Hayati, Abdullah, Abdul Halim, Zainal, Zulkarnain, Lim, Hong Ngee
• Format: Article
• Published: MDPI AG 2021
• Online Access: http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/94565/; https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/13/11/1746

In the present study, we explored the effectiveness of PES-Ag3PO4/g-C3N4 film photocatalyst in degrading methyl orange dye under visible light irradiation. The PES-Ag3PO4/g-C3N4 film photocatalyst was prepared via a non-solvent-induced phase inversion process and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), laser scanning microscopy (LSM), X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS), UV-diffuse reflectance (DRS), and water contact angle. The incorporation of the Ag3PO4/g-C3N4 composite into the PES matrix improved the pristine PES film’s hydrophilicity, as evidenced by the reduction of water contact angle from 79.03° to 54.33° for a film containing 15 wt % of Ag3PO4/g-C3N4 composite. The film’s photoactivity showed that 13 wt % was the best loading of Ag3PO4/g-C3N4 composite, and the degradation performance was maintained up to three cycles. The •O2− and h+ were the predominant species responsible for the methyl orange degradation.