Use of graphitic carbon nitrides as solar-light-driven photocatalysts for the reduction of p-nitrobenzoic acid
[EN] The use of graphitic carbon nitrides (g-C3N4) as photocatalysts for the reduction of p-nitrobenzoic acid (PNBA) under simulated sunlight has been investigated. The photocatalysts were synthesized through the thermal polymerization of melamine and urea. The effects of the g-C3N4 precursor employ...
| Autores: | , , , , , |
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| Tipo de recurso: | artículo |
| Fecha de publicación: | 2024 |
| País: | España |
| Institución: | Universidad de Barcelona (UB) |
| Repositorio: | RiuNet. Repositorio Institucional de la Universitat Politécnica de Valéncia |
| Idioma: | inglés |
| OAI Identifier: | oai:riunet.upv.es:10251/219685 |
| Acceso en línea: | https://riunet.upv.es/handle/10251/219685 |
| Access Level: | acceso abierto |
| Palabra clave: | Reduction Photocatalysis Graphitic carbon nitrides P-nitrobenzoic acid 06.- Garantizar la disponibilidad y la gestión sostenible del agua y el saneamiento para todos 14.- Conservar y utilizar de forma sostenible los océanos, mares y recursos marinos para lograr el desarrollo sostenible |
| Sumario: | [EN] The use of graphitic carbon nitrides (g-C3N4) as photocatalysts for the reduction of p-nitrobenzoic acid (PNBA) under simulated sunlight has been investigated. The photocatalysts were synthesized through the thermal polymerization of melamine and urea. The effects of the g-C3N4 precursor employed in the synthesis, the thermal exfoliation treatment, the addition of sacrificial agents, and the pH conditions were evaluated. It was found that the presence of carboxylic acids as sacrificial electron donors was required to attain the photocatalytic reduction of PNBA, while amines or alcohols did not lead to any activity for this purpose. Furthermore, it was observed that the precursor used in the synthesis of graphitic carbon nitride had a slight influence on the photocatalytic activity, whereas the thermal treatment of the bulk g-C3N4 materials exhibited a favourable effect. The best results were obtained upon addition of oxalic acid at pH = 3 using the carbon nitride exfoliated materials, achieving in these conditions the complete removal of PNBA after ca. 60 min of irradiation. Time resolved profiles of p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) agree with an initial reduction of PNBA to form this compound, followed by oxidation of PABA by reactive oxygen species formed in the reaction medium. |
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