Abstract
A novel g-C
3
N
4
/ZnO-TiO
2
nanocomposite was prepared by facile calcination and hydrothermal assisted route to boost the photocatalytic efficiency of g-C
3
N
4
. The structural, morphology and optical properties of as-obtained nanocomposites (NCs) were examined by various physicochemical methods such as XRD, FT-IR, FESEM-EDX, HR-TEM, UV-DRS and PL spectra relatively. The as-obtained g-C
3
N
4
/ZnO-TiO
2
heterojunction NCs displays an optimum efficiency (93.6%) and high photo-degradation rate constant towards the photo-degradation of RhB dye in 75 min under visible-light exposure. Likewise, the synergistic effects on heterostructure strong-coupling interfaces assembly of g-C
3
N
4
and TiO
2
/ZnO NPs, which facilitates the excellent photo-excited charge separation efficiency, suppressing the recombination rate and also widening the visible-light fascination ability. Hence, the resulting in a prolonged lifetime leading to continuous generation of h
+
and
*
OH
−
species which were eventually improved the photo-degradation process. Also, the as-obtained hybrid g-C
3
N
4
/ZnO-TiO
2
photocatalysts (PCs) revealed superior recycling stability. Moreover, a probable photocatalytic reaction mechanism of the novel PCs was also suggested.