Title:Photocatalytic Degradation of Binary Dyes, Methyl Orange and Methyl Green, in Aqueous Media Using 2D g-C₃N₄/Polyaniline/Silver Nanocomposite
Volume: 22
Issue: 1
Author(s): Pranav Vivek, Surendar Balu and Ashok K. Sundramoorthy*
Affiliation:
- Centre for Nano-Biosensors, Department of Prosthodontics, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute
of Medical and Technical Sciences, Poonamallee High Road, Velappanchavadi, Chennai, 600077, Tamil Nadu, India
Keywords:
Photocatalyst, azo dyes, GCN/PANI/Ag, wastewater treatment, multi-dye degradation, solar light photocatalyst.
Abstract:
Background: In recent years, azo dyes have become the dominant choice in the textile
industry, accounting for about 60-70% of all dyes used, which has led to growing environmental
concerns.
Aim: This research focused on the photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange (MO) and methyl
green (MG) dyes using a novel g-C₃N₄ (GCN)/polyaniline (PANI)/Ag composite under
visible light.
Methods: This composite was synthesized through a straightforward preparation process and
characterized by using various techniques, including UV-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Fourier-
transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and cyclic
voltammetry (CV).
Results: Characterization results confirmed the incorporation of PANI and Ag nanoparticles into
the GCN matrix. This composite enhanced the visible light absorption and improved charge
separation, leading to increased photocatalytic efficiency. Photocatalytic experiments were conducted
under visible light irradiation with a catalyst dosage of 10 mg in a 10-ppm solution of the
MO and MG dyes mixture.
Conclusion: The GCN/PANI/Ag composite achieved significant degradation efficiencies of
70% for MO and 69% for MG within 120 minutes. The degradation process followed first-order
kinetics, with rate constants of 0.0087 min-¹ for MO and 0.0086 min-¹ for MG, respectively.
Reusability tests showed that the composite retained over 60% of its initial efficiency after five
cycles. These findings highlight the potential of the GCN/PANI/Ag composite as a sustainable
and effective photocatalyst for visible-light-driven dye degradation, offering an eco-friendly
approach to wastewater treatment.