Modified g-C 3 N 4 with boron doping for efficient simultaneous catalytic reduction of Ag + and organic pollutants

In this study, band gap engineering and surface modification were studied to promote dye removal efficiency of g-C 3 N 4, a visible-light responsive photocatalyst. The modification of band gap energy and chemical surface by mean of thermal reaction with NaBH 4 in order to introduce B dopants in the g-C 3 N 4 framework was successful. The pristine g-C 3 N 4 prepared from urea (U–CN) and from melamine (M − CN) demonstrated RhB degradation efficiency (DE%) of 95.6% and 38.2%, respectively, under illumination for 60 min by daylight lamp. Strikingly, B-doped g-C 3 N 4 presented high performance in dye removal without light. Synergistically, the modified band gap by B doping, surface decoration with - BH4−, and high surface area of g-C 3 N 4, altogether maximize RhB and MB dye removal efficiency (DR%) up to 98.3% and 66.0%, respectively. The reduction ability of the modified catalyst is also illustrated in the transformation of silver ion into silver particles under light irradiation. Finally, the modified g-C 3 N 4 can act as high performance photocatalyst and co-catalyst supporting substrate for applying in environmental and energy applications.