Construction of heterostructured nanorods-like ZnO/g-C3N4 nanocomposite to obtain enhanced photocatalytic properties

The optimized ratio of a nanorods-like ZnO (NRZ)/graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) composite has been fabricated by adjusting the mass ratio between the two components (NRZ and g-C3N4) through a simple hydrothermal process. The morphology and structure of NRZ/g-C3N4 were clearly visible in the FE-TEM image, which also suggested that a heterojunction composite material may have been formed. The best reaction rate constants of 0.0063 h−1 were achieved when ZnO-NRs/g-C3N4 20 wt% was used as the photocatalyst, as shown by the catalytic performanc. This result demonstrates that a close interface was formed between NRZ and g-C3N4 to act as a charge transfer bridge and that the NRZ and g-C3N4 composite has a synergistic effect. The heterojunction structure promotes the directional transfer of electrons, increasing the photocatalytic degradation efficiency.