Synthesis of Z-scheme g-C3N4/WO3 nano-photocatalyst with superior antibacterial characteristics for wastewater treatment

Semiconductors as effective photocatalysts and antibacterial agents are an attractive class of materials for water treatment. Composites of g-C 3 N 4 and WO 3 were designed via a novel mixing of sol-gel and calcination techniques to achieve a better photocatalyst with effective antibacterial properties. The specimens were examined using TEM, X-ray diffraction, FTIR, and UV-vis diffuse reflection spectroscopy. To investigate the photocatalytic properties of the manufactured samples, the photodegradation of methylene blue was evaluated. Studies were also conducted on the antibacterial properties of synthesized materials. The findings showed that the g-C 3 N 4 /WO 3 revealed a higher photodegradation yield than pristine g-C 3 N 4 . The photodegradation yield of samples with 15wt.% of WO 3 was up to 3.7 times higher than that of pure g-C 3 N 4 . The Z-scheme mechanism may be the reason for the higher electron and hole separation that results from the heterojunction formation between WO 3 nanoparticles and g-C 3 N 4 surfaces. The produced g-C 3 N 4 /15wt.%WO 3 specimen exhibited effective antibacterial characteristics against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus . Graphical abstract