Development of g-C3N4-TiO2 visible active hybrid photocatalyst for the photodegradation of methyl orange

In this paper, we report the synthesis of g-C3N4-TiO2 hybrid photocatalyst by using the simple, cost-effective and eco-friendly process. The development of TiO2 nanoflakes on the surface of g-C3N4 nanosheet was carried out by the in situ sol–gel method. The XRD patterns reveal the anatase phase of TiO2 in the g-C3N4-TiO2 nanocomposite. HR-TEM images confirm the size of the nanoflakes in the range of 15–25 nm. The O–Ti and Ti–O–Ti bridge produces the absorption band from 560 to 710 cm−1 for TiO2; it is due to stretching vibrations and the specific band at 805 cm−1 marks the sym-triazine ring of g-C3N4. UV–Vis spectra show a redshift from 394 to 471 nm in the nanocomposite concerning a decrease in band gap. From BET, it is seen that the surface area of bare TiO2 and g-C3N4-TiO2 are 66 and 146 m2g−1, respectively. The nanoflakes morphology of g-C3N4-TiO2 was confirmed from FE-SEM images. The EDS spectrum confirms C, N, Ti, and O elements which prove the purity of the nanocomposite. The g-C3N4-TiO2 (1:4) acquired a noticeable enhancement of photocatalytic activity which is double for methyl orange degradation than TiO2.