PES-Ag(3)PO(4)/g-C(3)N(4) Mixed Matrix Film Photocatalyst for Degradation of Methyl Orange Dye

In the present study, we explored the effectiveness of PES-Ag(3)PO(4)/g-C(3)N(4) film photocatalyst in degrading methyl orange dye under visible light irradiation. The PES-Ag(3)PO(4)/g-C(3)N(4) film photocatalyst was prepared via a non-solvent-induced phase inversion process and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), laser scanning microscopy (LSM), X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS), UV-diffuse reflectance (DRS), and water contact angle. The incorporation of the Ag(3)PO(4)/g-C(3)N(4) composite into the PES matrix improved the pristine PES film’s hydrophilicity, as evidenced by the reduction of water contact angle from 79.03° to 54.33° for a film containing 15 wt % of Ag(3)PO(4)/g-C(3)N(4) composite. The film’s photoactivity showed that 13 wt % was the best loading of Ag(3)PO(4)/g-C(3)N(4) composite, and the degradation performance was maintained up to three cycles. The •O(2)(−) and h(+) were the predominant species responsible for the methyl orange degradation.