Abstract
In this context, g-C3N4 nanosheets were decorated by mesoporous Bi2S3 nanoparticles (NPs) to produce newly Bi2S3/g-C3N4 heterojunctions containing various proportions (1, 2, 3, 4 wt.%) of Bi2S3 NPs. This was established using a hard and soft template. The fabricated heterojunctions succeeded to achieve highly efficient elimination of Hg2+ via photocatalytic reduction when illuminated by visible light. Furthermore, the synthesized heterojunctions acquired improved features such as limited band gap energy and significant specific surface areas. The homogenous distribution of the spherical-like Bi2S3 NPs (particle dimension of 3-6 nm) on g-C3N4 nanosheets was declared from the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) technique. The improved Bi2S3/g-C3N4 nanocomposite of 4 wt.% Bi2S3 NPs acquired enlarged magnetization magnitude (35.5 emu g(-1)) in comparison to that of Bi2S3 NPs (30.5 emu g(-1)). Tremendous efficiency of the elimination of Hg2+ via photocatalytic reduction has been accomplished by the prepared Bi2S3/g-C3N4 heterojunction in comparison to those by Bi2S3 NPs or g-C3N4 nanosheets. Complete (100%) elimination of Hg2+ has been established by 4 wt.% Bi2S3/g-C3N4 photocatalyst whereas, the efficiency attained over Bi2S3 NPs was 24% after 1 h of visible light illumination. Moreover, the rate of the photocatalytic elimination of Hg2+ by 4 wt.% Bi2S3/g-C3N4 nanocomposite was greater (490.00 mu molg(-1) h(-1)) compared to the rates depicted over neat Bi2S3 NPs (100.00 mu molg(-1) h(-1)) and neat g-C3N4 (65.00 mu molg(-1) h(-1)). In addition, recycled mesoporous Bi2S3/g-C3N4 heterojunctions proposed more excellent stability and durability towards the photocatalytic reduction of mercuric cations.