Fabrication of Gd2O3-Loaded nitrogen-rich C3N5@PANI hybrid nanocomposites: Unlocking efficient photocatalysis for long-Term organic dye degradation in wastewater treatment

In this study, PANI@g-C3N5/Gd2O3 nanocomposites were made using a simple chemical process that combined PANI with the nitrogen-rich and potent chemical stability of g-C3N5 and Gd2O3. XRD, SEM-EDX, TEM, BET, UV- DRS, and PL investigations confirmed nanocomposites crystallographic, physicochemical, structural, and optical properties. PANI@g-C3N5/Gd2O3 exhibited exceptional photodegradation capabilities when subjected to toxic dyes, including erythrosine (Ey) and rhodamine (RhB). The g-C3N5/Gd2O3 nanocomposite was optimized for mass ratio with Gd2O3, and the addition of PANI further increased the specific surface area of the g-C3N5/Gd2O3 matrix. The prepared photocatalyst degraded RhB and EY almost completely within 75 and 60 min, respectively. The band gap energy of g-C3N5 decreased after adding Gd2O3 and PANI. The synergistic effects of g-C3N5, Gd2O3, and PANI reduced electron-hole charge carrier recombination at the photocatalyst interface, enhancing photo- catalytic activity. Radical quenching studies showed that O 2 center dot and center dot OH were crucial to photocatalysis. After four cycles, the PANI@g-C3N5/Gd2O3 nanocomposites showed 93 % dye removal efficiency and excellent stability, suggesting environmental remediation potential.