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Abstract
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ernary g-C3N4/CQD/Ag photocatalysts were synthesized via deposition of
carbon quantum dots (CQDs) and silver nanoparticles (Ag) onto graphitic carbon nitride
(g-C3N4) for efficient acetaminophen degradation. The nanocomposites exhibited enhanced
photoresponse and broad-spectrum photocatalytic activity under both UV (254 nm, 250 W)
and Xenon (>420 nm, 500 W) irradiation. Characterization by XRD, FTIR, SEM, PL, and
EDX elucidated the material’s composition, structure, morphology, and optical properties.
Optimized photocatalytic degradation of acetaminophen (50 mg/L) was achieved at pH
7 with 0.6 g/L catalyst loading and 60 min irradiation, yielding degradation efficiencies
of 87.5% (UV) and 85.3% (Xenon). Radical quenching experiments and GC-MS analysis
identified hydroxyl radicals as the primary reactive species and revealed a gradual decrease
in intermediate toxicity during mineralization. This study demonstrates the superior
photocatalytic performance of the ternary g-C3N4/CQD/Ag nanocomposites compared to
binary systems for effective acetaminophen removal.
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