Photodeposition synthesis of hollow g-C₃N₄/Ag nanotubes with high oxidation properties to enhance visible-light photocatalytic performance

A hollow Ag-deposited g-C3N4 nanotube (CNNT/Ag) with high oxidation properties was synthesized using a simple photodeposition method. The g-C3N4 nanotubes provided abundant active sites and a large specific surface area for effective deposition of Ag nanoparticles. The Ag NPs expanded the light absorption range of gC3N4 through surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effects and acted as an electron acceptor, effectively inhibiting the recombination of photogenerated carriers, thereby improving the charge separation efficiency. The CNNT/Ag composites exhibited excellent photocatalytic performance in the visible light degradation of rhodamine B and tetracycline, 6.42 and 2.16 times higher than pure g-C3N4, respectively. The increased photocatalytic activity of CNNT/Ag composites was attributed to the synergistic electron transfer interface between CNNT and Ag NPs, promoting the migration efficiency of photo-generated carriers. This work presented a promising strategy for constructing effective photocatalysts for degrading organic pollutants using morphology optimization and SPR effects on noble metal surfaces.