Preparation and photocatalytic properties of magnetic g-C3N4/TNTs nanocomposites

A series of magnetic responsive TiO2 nanotubes/Fe3O4/graphite carbon nitride nanocomposites (TNTs/Fe3O4/g-C3N4) were prepared through a one-step method. In the method, iron salts and P-25 are used as the precursor of Fe3O4 and TNTs. The uniform TiO2 nanotubes and Fe3O4 nanoparticles are synchronously generated and dispersed on surface of g-C3N4 sheets in hydrothermal condition. The nanocomposites exhibit rapid separation performance, excellent photocatalytic activity and reusability. Magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles make the nano-composite recycled for many times. TNTs play important effect on the adsorption and photocatalytic performance owing to their large specific areas and strong oxidizing property. Moreover, g-C3N4 and Fe3O4 with excellent visible light response can improve the number of the photoelectrons. And, the joint connection between TNTs and g-C3N4 sheets can increase the electron and holes separation efficiency. These synergistic effects in TNTs, g-C3N4 and Fe3O4 result in the excellent photocatalytic activity and reusability.