Biological Inspired Green Synthesis of TiO₂ Coupled g-C₃N₄ Nanocomposites and Its Improved Activities for Sulfadiazine and Bisphenol A Degradation

In this research study an eco-friendly approach is utilized to synthesize the green g-C₃N₄ based nanocomposites by employing Zingiber officinale as stabilizer and mediator. Our results proved that the green g-C₃N₄ have good performances and exceptional visible light photocatalytic activities as compared to the chemically synthesized g-C₃N₄. The small surface area, and low charge separation of g-C₃N₄ is upgraded by coupling with TiO₂ nanoparticles. Our experimental results have confirmed that Zingiber officinale worked as stabilizer and mediator, while the coupling of TiO₂ worked as facilitator and photoelectron modulator to enhance the charge separation. Compared to pristine green g-C₃N₄ (GCN), the most active sample 5Ti/GCN showed ~ 2.5-fold improvement in photocatalytic activities for sulfadiazine and bisphenol A degradation. The degradation pathways of sulfadiazine and bisphenol A showed the mineralization steps and production of less hazardous and small molecules (CO₂ and H₂O). Finally, our current novel research work will provide a new gateway to synthesize the plant assisted and eco-friendly green nanomaterials and its employment for pollutants degradation and environmental purification. Graphical Abstract: Graphical abstract representing the Zingiber officinale mediated synthesis of TiO₂ coupled g-C₃N₄ green nanocomposites[Figure not available: see fulltext.]