Magnetically recyclable PrFeO3/g-C3N4 nano-photocatalyst with Z-scheme structure: Synthesis and characterization and its application for enhanced degradation of malachite green as contaminated water under sunlight

Abstract

Using the modified sol–gel process, PrFeO3 nanoparticles were produced with citric acid, maleic acid and malic acid present as carboxylic acids. Research has been done on the effects of calcination temperature, and fuel type as operational synthesis factors on the product’s characteristics. The nanocomposites based on PrFeO3 was fabricated with different percentage of g-C3N4. The resultant flawless sample was used as a photocatalyst to degrade organic dyes under visible light due to narrow band gap (2.42 eV). The scavengers for active agents were examined in order to better understand the process of photocatalytic degradation. Thus, maximal efficiency (93 %) was obtained employing 0.06 g PrFeO3/g-C3N410% nano-photocatalysts in 5 ppm malachite green. The optimized sample shows proper structural stability and recycles ability after 5 runs.