Enhanced oxidation ability of g-C3N4 photocatalyst via C60 modification

Abstract C 60 modified graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4 ) composite photocatalysts C 60 /g-C 3 N 4 were prepared by a facile thermal treatment at 550 °C in atmosphere involving polymerization of dicyandiamide in the presence of C 60 without adding any other reagent. By incorporating C 60 into the matrix of g-C 3 N 4 , the valance band (VB) of g-C 3 N 4 shifts to lower energy position, and thus gives a strong photo-oxidation capability under visible light. The as-prepared sample shows enhanced degradation of phenol and methylene blue (MB) under visible light ( λ  > 420 nm). The C 60 /g-C 3 N 4 composites present considerably high photocatalytic degradation activities on phenol and MB, as well as photocurrent response, under visible light irradiation. They are about 2.9, 3.2 and 4.0 times as high as those of bulk g-C 3 N 4 , respectively. Such greatly enhanced photocatalytic activity was originated from the holes and • OH, which can be ascribed to strong interaction of conjugative π-bond between C 60 and g-C 3 N 4 .