Integration g-C3N4 nanotubes and Sb2MoO6 nanoparticles: Impressive photoactivity for tetracycline degradation, Cr (VI) reduction, and organic dyes removals under visible light

Abstract The development of high-efficiency photocatalysts is an attractive strategy for pollutants degradation under visible light. Herein, novel photocatalysts are reported through coupling Sb2MoO6 with g-C3N4 nanotube (abbreviated as GCN nanotube) by a simple reflux method. Also, the nanocomposites were defined by applying various analyses. Under visible-light excitation, the GCN nanotube/Sb2MoO6 systems had more photoactivity than g-C3N4 (abbreviated as GCN) and the rate constant for RhB removal on optimal GCN nanotube/Sb2MoO6 (30%) nanocomposite was 48.3 times premier than the GCN. Also, compared to the pristine GCN, the GCN nanotube/Sb2MoO6 (30%) sample demonstrated supreme photoactivity towards tetracycline degradation and Cr (VI) photoreduction, which was 88.5 and 21.8 times higher than the bulk GCN, respectively. These impressive enhancements were attributed to the quick segregation of charge carriers, boosted visible-light absorption, and extended specific surface area. Moreover, the photocatalyst has enough activity after four successive cycles. Finally, a conceivable charges transfer route is presented through n-n heterojunction constructed between Sb2MoO6 and GCN nanotube.