Synergistic photocatalytic performance of Fe@Fe2O3 core-shell nanostructures supported on g-C3N4 nanosheets for RhB and phenol decolorization: Fabrication, characterization, and mechanistic insights

In this study, Fe@Fe2O3 core-shell nanoparticles were synthesized and adsorbed onto g-C3N4 nanosheets through a chemical adsorption process. The resulting Fe@Fe2O3/g-C3N4 nanocomposites exhibited a unique morphology and were characterized by a narrow dispersion of Fe@Fe2O3 nanostructures uniformly distributed on the g-C3N4 nanosheets. The impact of varying reaction parameters, such as reaction time and reducing agent concentration, on the reactivity and properties of iron was investigated. The enhanced photoactivity of Fe@Fe2O3/g-C3N4 nanocomposites for RhB and phenol was explored, and it was found that the heterojunction formed between Fe2O3 and g-C3N4 facilitated efficient charge partition, thereby reducing electron-hole recombination, and promoting the separation of photogenerated charges. Mechanistic insights into the degradation process of the pollutant RhB were gained using Fe@Fe2O3/g-C3N4 nanocomposites, and it was found that the holes (h+) and superoxide radicals (& BULL;O2 ) were the main active species involved in the degradation of RhB. The study highlights the potential of Fe@Fe2O3/g-C3N4 nanocomposites to eliminate contaminants.