3D Tremella‐Like g‐C3N4/TiO2/HNTs Heterojunction Photocatalyst for Enhanced Photocatalytic Degradation of Rhodamine B From Water

Abstract Among the traditional treatment processes for purifying wastewater contaminated with Rhodamine B (RhB), semiconductor photocatalysis is the most effective technology because it can oxidize organic pollutants and convert them into CO 2 , H 2 O, and other harmless molecules in a safe and efficient manner. According to literature research, it is feasible to enhance the performance of g‐C 3 N 4 as a photocatalyst by constructing a heterojunction with other photocatalytic materials. Morphological regulation of carbon nitride (g‐C 3 N 4 ) is a viable strategy for improving its photocatalytic activities. By controlling the morphology of g‐C 3 N 4 , factors such as light absorption, specific surface area, charge separation, and reaction sites can be optimized to enhance its photocatalytic efficiency. Three‐dimensional tremella‐like carbon nitride (3DT‐CN) and 3D‐CN/TiO 2 /HNTs (halloysite nanotubes) were prepared using bubble templates and an impregnation method respectively. The Z‐scheme heterojunction structure constructed by 3D‐CN and TiO 2 promotes electron‐hole separation. Catalytic experiments demonstrated that under irradiation for 120 min, the 3D‐CN/TiO 2 /HNTs catalyst could eliminate 86.48 % of Rhodamine B (RhB). Additionally, active radicals such as e‐, h+, ⋅OH, and ⋅O 2 ‐ are involved in RhB degradation. Therefore, the three‐dimensional tremella‐like 3D‐CN/TiO 2 /HNTs heterojunction photocatalyst has great potential for environmental purification.