Improving g-C₃N₄ photocatalysis for NOx removal by Ag nanoparticles decoration

In order to overcome the intrinsic drawback of pristine g- C₃N₄, we prepared g- C₃N₄ nanosheets with enhanced photocatalytic performance by Ag nanoparticles decoration using urea as the precursor. It was revealed that the monodispersed Ag nanoparticles were deposited on the surface of g- C₃N₄ nanosheets. The Ag/ g- C₃N₄ nanocomposites were applied in removal of NOx in air under visible light irradiation. The results showed that the decoration of Ag nanoparticles not only enhanced the photocatalytic activity of g- C₃N₄ nanosheets, but also benefited the oxidation of NO to final products. The increased visible light absorption arising from the surface plasmon resonance of Ag and improved separation and transfer of photoinduced carriers over Ag/ g- C₃N₄ composites were demonstrated by the UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra and photoluminescence spectra, respectively. It was therefore proposed that the enhanced photocatalytic activity of Ag/ g- C₃N₄ composites could be attributed to the extended light response range and enhanced charge separation due to the introduction of Ag nanoparticles. Copyright © 2015 Published by Elsevier B.V.