Photon and vibration synergism on planar defects induced 2D-graphitic carbon nitride for ultrafast remediation of dyes and antibiotic ampicillin

Hybrid oxidation methodologies (HOMs) and active site enrichment of 2D nanocatalyst through defects induction are ubiquitously used for generating adequate reactive oxygen species (ROS) in synergistic decontamination of nano hazards. In this study, 2D graphitic carbon nitride (2D-gCN), synthesized through a single-step liquid exfoliation methodology, depicts a tensile strain-induced planar defect intensified structure, as comprehended from microscopic, spectroscopic, diffraction, and photo-electrochemical (PEC) studies. Also, the piezo-photocatalytic capability of degrader 2D-gCN is revealed through a rapid removal of several noxious organic pollutants, i.e., methylene blue (MB, 97% in 16 min), bromophenol blue (BB, 88% in 16 min), and ampicillin (AMP, 75%, in 120 min) in a controlled catalytic condition. Rates for MB, BB, and AMP piezo-photo-dismissals are respectively ~ 16.4, 9.4, and 3.4 times higher than sole photocatalysis. The dismissal pathway consists of band bending through photon-aided piezo-cavitation, which leads to maximum ROS production and recombination suppression. Furthermore, LC–MS analysis confirms AMP remediation. In radicals trapping, OH, h + , and O 2 .− are predominantly accountable for the AMP, BB, and MB dismissal, respectively. The piezo-photocatalytic stability has been assured through the morphological and bond characteristics of reusable 2D-gCN. So, using the HOM approach, 2D-gCN can be projected as a proficient remediator in wastewater treatments. Graphical abstract