Carbon-supported g-C3N4 photocatalyst for the treatment of vapor isobutanol as odorous VOC

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) is a metal-free photocatalyst active under visible light but exhibits low photocatalytic activity due to its low specific surface area and fast recombination rates. However, it is possible to enhance its effectiveness and performance can be significantly improved by preparing composites of g-C3N4 with activated carbon (AC). In this manuscript, agave bagasse was employed as a precursor for activated carbon ranging from relatively low, medium and high porosity. The ability of the g-C3N4/activated carbon composite to degrade isobutanol as a model odorous VOC was evaluated under visible light. Different activation/deactivation phenomena were observed at different operation times. It was found that materials with higher porosity presented a higher level of degradation of the model VOC. However, synergy between the materials was demonstrated for the dynamic removal of isobutanol. These results demonstrate the synthesis of a composite with photocatalytic and adsorption properties based on g-C3N4 supported on activated carbon obtained from agave bagasse, which could contribute to the development of green photocatalytic materials and serve as an alternative for managing waste from the tequila industry. [Display omitted] •g-C3N4 photocatalyst was supported on agave-bagasse activated carbon.•There is a synergy between AC and gC3N4 that enhances isobutanol removal.•Stable dynamic removal was achieved up to 260 mins.•Alcohols and ketones were primarily identified as photocatalytic products.