Abstract
Synthesis of 2D carbon-based layered structures materials is highly desirable for higher-photocatalytic activities. Here in this regard, we use commercially exhausted urea for the fabrication activated carbons and graphitic carbon nitride (GCN) layered structures doped with sulphur to accumulate activated carbon with S for pollutants degradation using the thermal decomposition method. The synthesized material contains activated carbon in a small amount, which does not accumulate with nitrogen to form GCN and cause a higher energy bandgap (3.31 eV - 3.38 eV). However, through S, we have modified the bandgap and reduced it to (2.84 eV - 3.06 eV) for visible light. The S with activated carbon system along with GCN enhances the synergetic contribution in degradation. The reaction constant (K) is increased from (3.5 × 10−3 - 4.1 × 10−2) owing to synergic effect. Most notably, a significant amount of sulphur accumulated with activated carbon and GCN, altered the charge transfer route and enhanced optical absorption and higher photocatalytic activity, and i considered a novel approach for environmental remediation.
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•Activated carbon GCN and sulphur composites were synthesized by the calcination.•There was no use of a hard template in the synthesis of activated carbon GCN.•For the GCN-0.8 sample, a maximum MB dye yield of 99 % was attained.•For degradation, activated carbon has a synergistic effect.