Synthesis and Characterization of Graphitic Carbon Nitride (g-C₃N₄)/Zinc Oxide Hybrid Nanocomposites for Photocatalytic and Biomedical Application ^†

Abstract

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) and zinc oxide (ZnO) are two promising materials that have been extensively studied for their potential applications in the photocatalytic and biomedical fields, including biosensors, bioimaging, photodynamic therapy, and antimicrobials, because of its biocompatible nature. The synthesis of g-C₃N₄/ZnO nanocomposites will be achieved through hydrothermal synthesis to produce materials with enhanced photocatalytic and biomedical properties due to the development of heterojunctions. The synthesized g-C₃N₄/ZnO hybrid nanostructures have a band gap of around 2.85 eV to 3.01 eV. The photocatalytic activity of the composites is evaluated through the degradation of organic pollutants (MB, RB171, RhB dyes) under simulated solar irradiation, demonstrating their potential for environmental remediation. In biomedical applications, the g-C₃N₄/ZnO nanocomposites exhibit biocompatibility and are explored for use in antimicrobial coatings. Techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and UV–Vis(ultra-violet visible) spectroscopy are employed to analyze the crystal structure, surface morphology, particle size, chemical composition, and optical properties of the composites. The comprehensive characterization of these materials is crucial for their successful development and utilization in various technological domains.