ZnGaNO solid solution–C3N4 composite for improved visible light photocatalytic performance

ZnGaNO solid solution–C3N4 composite photocatalyst with visible light response was synthesized through polymerization of melamine in the presence of ZnGaNO solid solution. The composite photocatalyst was characterized by X-ray diffraction, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, UV–vis diffuse reflection spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Energy dispersed spectrometer (EDS) and BET surface area measurements. The activity of composite photocatalyst g-C3N4–ZnGaNO for photodegradation of methyl orange (MO) is higher than that of either single-phase g-C3N4 or ZnGaNO solid solution. The as-prepared composite photocatalyst exhibits an improved photocatalytic activity due to enhancement of electron–hole separations at the interface.