Metal-free C(60)/CNTs/g-C(3)N(4) ternary heterostructures: synthesis and enhanced visible-light-driven photocatalytic performance

A metal-free C(60)/CNTs/g-C(3)N(4) nanoheterostructure with excellent visible-light photocatalysis for rhodamine B (Rh B) degradation has been reported. Via a convenient low-temperature solution-phase method, g-C(3)N(4) nanosheets can serve as substrate for dispersion of C(60)/CNTs. The loading of C(60)/CNTs onto g-C(3)N(4) nanosheets surfaces significantly enhanced visible-light-driven photocatalytic activity of g-C(3)N(4) catalyst, for oxidation of organic pollutant (Rh B, 100%). Excellent photocatalytic properties of C(60)/CNTs/g-C(3)N(4) can be predominantly attributed to the intimate interfacial contact among constructing compounds, increased specific surface area and enhanced light adsorption efficiency resulted from C(60)/CNTs carbon materials. Particularly, the synergistic heterostructure interaction remarkably hinders the electron–hole pairs recombination, giving rise to significantly enhanced photocatalytic performance of C(60)/CNTs/g-C(3)N(4) in comparison with other counterparts.