Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance of Luminescent g-C3N4 Photocatalyst in Darkroom

Abstract

Graphitic-C₃N₄(g-C₃N₄), a low-cost visible-light-driven photocatalyst, was used for the photocatalytic oxidation of aqueous methylene blue (MB) in the dark with Sr₄Al₁₄O₂₅:(Eu,Dy) assistance. The Sr₄Al₁₄O₂₅:(Eu,Dy)/g-C₃N₄ photocatalysts were fabricated through the ultrasonic dispersion method. The commercial Sr₄Al₁₄O₂₅:(Eu,Dy) phosphor was used as a long afterglow supplier for exciting g-C₃N₄ in the dark. The results demonstrated that the metal-free g-C₃N₄ photocatalyst could use the eye-visible long afterglow to photocatalytically decompose MB dyes in the dark. This work may expand the appealing application of g-C₃N₄ for the environmental cleanup.