SK. Faisal Ahmed, Md. Nizam Uddin
Shahjalal University of Science & Technology,Sylhet,Bangladesh,
Bangladesh
Keywords: CeBiOIBr, g-C₃N₄, Composite, Photocatalytic, Antibacterial, Hydrothermal, Charge separation
Summary:
Efficient and sustainable photocatalyst synthesis is crucial for environmental and energy challenges in the present world. Concerning this, we synthesised the CeBiOIBr precursor by the hydrothermal method and combined it with graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) to synthesise a composite with enhanced photocatalytic properties. The synthesis process followed controlled thermal reaction conditions to ensure the successful formation of the CeBiOIBr precursor and further composite synthesis with g-C₃N₄ in various percentages in order to find the best composition using the ultrasonic-assisted dispersion method. This process aimed to enhance charge separation, extend light absorption, and increase overall photocatalytic performance.We carried out a series of characterisation techniques to discover the structure and properties of the materials, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirming the formation of pure-phase CeBiOIBr and its successful composite formation with g-C₃N₄, and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy analysis confirming the successful integration of CeBiOIBr and g-C₃N₄, showing characteristic Ce–O, Bi–O, Bi–I, and Bi–Br vibrations along with shifted C=N and C–N peaks, indicating strong interfacial interactions. Also, in UV-Vis spectroscopy (UV) analysis, it was confirmed that the composite absorbed more visible light compared to its individual components. And photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy analysis indicated reduced electron-hole recombination and improved photocatalytic efficiency.We tested the CeBiOIBr composite with g-C₃N₄'s photocatalytic activity under visible light. The results showed that the CeBiOIBr/g-C₃N₄ composite significantly outperformed pure CeBiOIBr and g-C₃N₄, indicating its ability to break down pollutants more effectively. Furthermore, in photocatalysis applications, the composite also exhibited antibacterial properties under light exposure, discovering possibilities for its use in antimicrobial coatings and water purification. Our photoelectrochemical analysis shows that this composite has got strong charge transport properties, indicating potential applications in solar energy conversion also.This work aims at the successful synthesis of a CeBiOIBr precursor with a g-C₃N₄ composite with better photocatalytic, antibacterial, and photovoltaic properties. By analysing the strengths of both materials, we synthesised a composite that is more efficient and stable. We aim to enhance its performance further, find better composites, discover its long-term stability, and explore practical applications in environmental and energy-related sectors. This study paves the way for innovative materials that contribute to renewable energy and sustainable technologies.