Insights into the photocatalytic ozonation over Ag2O-ZnO@g-C3N4 composite: Cooperative structure, degradation performance, and synergistic mechanisms

In this work, Ag2O and ZnO modified g-C3N4 (Ag2[email protected]x) catalysts were fabricated by a simple precipitation-reflux method employed for visible-light-driven photocatalytic ozonation process towards oxalic acid (OA) degradation. A series of characterizations such as XRD, TEM, XPS, UV–vis DRS, PL, Mott-Schottky conducted to investigate the impact loading Ag2O-ZnO on microstructure catalytic properties catalysts. It was noteworthy that mesoporous backbone structure did not perceptibly change after doping g-C3N4. Moreover, separation photogenerated e−−h+ pairs, mobility e− transfer, performance improved with increase in amount Amongst, Ag2[email protected]0.4 achieved 83.43% OA removal efficiency highest k value (0.0311 min−1), showing an excellent synergistic effect (synergy index η = 10.37) coupling system. exhibited satisfactory reusability multiple consecutive cycles (≥5). Through radical scavenger experiments ESR spectra, reactive species including h+, e−, O2•−, 1O2 •OH verified play important role PhOx Accordingly, empirical kinetic model established predict concentration given operational parameters. The mechanism degradation system also proposed. Overall, results presented new insight into application water treatment.