Synthesis and photocatalytic performance of g-C3N4 nanosheets via liquid phase stripping

Well dispersed g-C3N4 nanosheets were prepared by exfoliating the bulk g-C3N4 in concentrated sulfuric acid. Phase structures, morphologies and elemental compositions were characterized by X-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope and X-ray photoelectron spectrometer, respectively. Optical absorption and photoluminescence were also used to explain the optical performances of samples. NaI, BQ and IPA were used as the sacrificial agents for studying the surface reactions in the photocatalytic process. By the precipitation of g-C3N4 nanosheets in ethanol with different ratios between concentrated sulfuric acid and ethyl alcohol, well dispersed g-C3N4 nanosheets with high specific surface area can be obtained. The optimized g-C3N4 (1:10) nanosheets achieve the highest photocatalytic activities under UV light illumination, which can degrade 10 mg/L RhB about 98% in 60 min, which is 6 times that of bulk g-C3N4 under UV light.