Preparation and photocatalytic properties of magnetic g-C3N4/TNTs nanocomposites

Abstract A series of magnetic responsive TiO 2 nanotubes/Fe 3 O 4 /graphite carbon nitride nanocomposites (TNTs/Fe 3 O 4 /g-C 3 N 4 ) were prepared through a one-step method. In the method, iron salts and P 25 are used as the precursor of Fe 3 O 4 and TNTs. The uniform TiO 2 nanotubes and Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles are synchronously generated and dispersed on surface of g-C 3 N 4 sheets in hydrothermal condition. The nanocomposites exhibit rapid separation performance, excellent photocatalytic activity and reusability. Magnetic Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles make the nanocomposite recycled for many times. TNTs play important effect on the adsorption and photocatalytic performance owing to their large specific areas and strong oxidizing property. Moreover, g-C 3 N 4 and Fe 3 O 4 with excellent visible light response can improve the number of the photoelectrons. And, the joint connection between TNTs and g-C 3 N 4 sheets can increase the electron and holes separation efficiency. These synergistic effects in TNTs, g-C 3 N 4 and Fe 3 O 4 result in the excellent photocatalytic activity and reusability.