Synthesis of Graphitic Carbon Nitride/ Hematite Nanocomposite and Application in Magenta Removal

In this study, synthesis of graphitic carbon nitride/ hematite nanocomposite (g-C3N4@Fe2O3) was prepared successfully using simple direct heating and hydrothermal methods. The efficiency of the prepared g-C3N4@Fe2O3 nanocomposite as an adsorbent was examined for the removal of magenta, the most used dye in various industries including textile, plastic, paper and cosmetic industries. The presence of dyes in the wastewater is hazardous, since they threat the ecosystem, and create problems for human health. Therefore removal of dyes from the industrial waste water is important for the safety of the environment. The most used procedures were first to obtain the graphitic carbon nitride nanoparticles, followed by hematite coating. The g-C3N4 was synthesized by direct heating of the low-cost melamine and hematite nanoparticles based on the hydrothermal method from the Fe3+ ionic solution in the presence of ammonia. Then the prepared g-C3N4 and Fe2O3 nanoparticles were dispersed into methanol by ultrasonic irradiation. After drying the dark yellow solid nanocomposite was obtained.The g-C3N4@Fe2O3 nanocomposite was characterized by FT-IR, XRD and SEM techniques. Then the affecting parameters on the efficiency of adsorbent in the removal of the Magenta, such as solution pH, adsorbent dosage, contact time, concentration of dye were investigated and optimized. The results showed the nanocompsite was an effective adsorbent for removal of Magenta from aqueous solutions and five times repeated use of the recycled nanocomposite did not affect its adsorption efficiency significantly. The synthesized g-C3N4@Fe2O3 nanocomposite being a biocompatible, environment-friendly and low cost adsorbent is expected to find potential applications in various fields, particularly in environmental applications.