Enrichment of graphitic-N in nitrogen-doped photoreduced graphene oxide as highly efficient photocatalyst for mineralization of volatile organic compounds
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
12-1-2024
Abstract
Exposures to air pollutants such as volatile organic compounds cause severe health effects. Photocatalysis is a technology that uses light energy and a photocatalyst to perform chemical reactions, such as the oxidation of indoor VOCs. Herein, a nitrogen-doped photoreduced graphene oxide (NPRGO) photocatalyst was synthesized via a facile solution-based photoirradiation method. The photoirradiation method allowed us to tailor the nitrogen (N) dopant concentration and configuration. The NPRGO photocatalyst demonstrated remarkable photocatalytic properties, such that 100 mg/m3 of gaseous methanol under UV-A irradiation was completely mineralised into harmless CO2 and water at a rate of 0.376 h- 1. This is attributed to the substantial content of graphitic- N groups on the NPRGO, which induced a high free-electron carrier density and a strong n-type conductivity. These advantageous properties of the NPRGO consequently improved the separation of photoinduced charge carriers, therefore enhancing the photodegradation of VOCs. This work demonstrates a new approach for the development of metal-free NPRGO photocatalyst in air pollution remediation.
Keywords
N -doping, Donor level, Photodoping, Photoreduction, Air pollution
Divisions
nanotechnology
Funders
Ministry of Education, Malaysia (FRGS/1/2021/STG05/UM/02/3),Universiti Malaya, Malaysia (ST022-2023-2021),Thailand Science Research and Innovation Fundamental Fund
Publication Title
Materials Today Chemistry
Volume
42
Publisher
Elsevier
Publisher Location
125 London Wall, London, ENGLAND