Green synthesis of H–ZSM-5 zeolite-anchored O-doped g–C3N4 for photodegradation of Reactive Red 195 (RR 195) under solar light

A novel oxygen-doped graphitic carbon nitride and zeolite (H-ZSM-5) composite (O–g–C3N4/H-ZSM-5) was synthesized using hydrogen peroxide and urea as the oxygen and g–C3N4 precursors, respectively, and perlite as the zeolite source, via calcination at 550°C. BET N2 adsorption-desorption analysis verified that the 40%O–g–C3N4/H-ZSM-5 composite had a high surface area of 259.13 m2/g with mesopores and micropores, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed the existence of the O atom in the g–C3N4 framework. The obtained O–g–C3N4/H-ZSM-5 catalyst showed excellent photocatalytic performance for the photodegradation of RR 195, approximately 96.6% with a high rate constant of 0.1167min−1 under solar light irradiation without the use of H2O2. It also exhibited remarkable stability and long-term recyclability, with the photodegradation efficiency of RR 195 above 91%. In conclusion, the O–g–C3N4/H-ZSM-5 composite photocatalyst is suitable for numerous applications in the field of the photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants.