Sintered glass filter as a membrane impregnated with g-C3N4 and AuAg/g-C3N4 to degrade Rhodamine B with application in decentralized areas

This work shows a novel approach utilizing graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4 ) deposited on a sintered glass filter as a membrane enhanced with gold-silver nanoparticles for the removal of emerging pollutants. g-C 3 N 4 was synthesized directly onto the membrane surface with a simple vapor deposition method. Membranes with two different porosities, g-C 3 N 4 and the noble-metal nanoparticles were put to the test by exploring their photocatalytic capacity to degrade rhodamine B dye (RhB). FT-IR, PL, SEM, EDX and DRS characterization techniques were performed to analyse the catalysts. RhB degradation was tested in static (i.e. petri dish) and dynamic conditions (i.e. photocatalytic membrane setup). Filtered volumes, turbidity effect and stability were tested in dynamic conditions for the membrane that had the greatest potential for full-scale use. The results confirm the efficient RhB degradation capacity of the catalysts, highlighting the potential of this proposed setup; however, the cost of technology for decentralized areas is still an impediment. These findings not only contribute to advancing the understanding of pollutant removal technologies, but also, offer practical insights into the future deployment of such systems on a larger scale. • Gold-silver NPs-C 3 N 4 catalyst was deposited on a sintered glass filter as membrane. • The material successfully degraded Rhodamine B under visible and solar light. • The degradation capacity of the catalyst was tested in static and dynamic conditions. • The cost analysis of a prototype suggests the initial investment is an impediment.