Rational construction of 3D recyclable g-C3N4 when encapsulated by cellulose/graphene oxide hybrid aerogels for efficient contaminant removal

The low quantum efficiency and poor recyclability of g-C3N4 limit its further application. Cellulose/graphene oxide hybrid aerogels have the potential to solve these drawbacks owing to their porous structure and enhanced electronic conductivity. Thus recyclable g-C3N4/cellulose/graphene oxide composites (CNxCEG-y) were developed by using facile freeze-dried method in this study. The network-interleaving structure, components and efficient degradation rate were investigated using a host of systematic technologies. The excellent degradation capacity of this approach is primarily resulted from the synergistic effect of their adsorption-photocatalysis dual properties, unique porous structure, larger specific surface area, enhanced light absorption capacity and smaller charge transfer resistance. In addition, reactive species of h+ and •O2-, especially the dominant role of h+, were identified during the reaction procedure. This research can provide a novel strategy for designing artificial contaminant disposal systems with high efficiency and superior reusability. [Display omitted] •Unique macro porous structure of 3D CN1.0CE-2 hybrid aerogels were constructed.•The CN1.0CE-2 exhibits 100 % removal efficiency for MB within 90 min.•The catalytic system guarantees the superior recyclability and the reusability.•A probable mechanism is proposed based on the experiment results.