(2025) Journal of Korean Society for Atmospheric Environment_Fabrication of Oxygen-functionalized Graphitic Carbon Nitride and Its Photocatalytic Removal of Gaseous Toluene; [ 산소 기능화된 그래핀질 탄화질소 (g-C₃N₄)의 제조 및 이를 활용한 기체상 톨루엔의 광촉매적 제거]

Kim Y.; Lee T.; Park J.; Kwon E.E.

(Korean Society for Atmospheric Environment) Journal of Korean Society for Atmospheric Environment ISSN: 15987132 Vol.41 Issue.5 Article No. DOI: 10.5572/KOSAE.2025.41.5.874

Photocatalytic oxidation is a promising approach to detoxify indoor air pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Among various photocatalysts, graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) is notable for its relatively narrow bandgap (2.70 eV), which enables activation using visible light. However, its applications are hindered by the rapid electron-hole recombination. To overcome this issue, this study proposes the fabrication of oxygen-functionalized g-C₃N₄ and evaluates its performance in the removal of VOCs, especially toluene. To this end, the formation pathway of g-C₃N₄ was first examined using its thermogravimetric analysis, identifying 550°C as the optimal production temperature. To enhance the photocatalytic activity, ammonia hydrothermal treatment was further processed to incorporate hydroxyl groups onto the surface of g-C₃N₄. The resulting OH-g-C₃N₄ exhibited an increased removal efficiency of 47.3% toward toluene compared with g-C₃N₄, corresponding to the degradation of 5.26 microgram of toluene. This improvement is attributed to the enhanced surface polarity facilitated by hydroxyl functionalization. During the photocatalytic oxidation, the CO₂ generation is a key indicator of complete oxidation. The toluene conversion efficiency into CO₂ induced by OH-g-C₃N₄ was 1.21-fold higher than that by g-C₃N₄, indicating reduced formation of partially oxidized intermediates. Therefore, these findings demonstrate that g-C₃N₄ functionalized by hydroxyl group offers enhanced photocatalytic performance for toluene removal under visible light, suggesting its potential for practical applications in indoor air purification. © 2025, Korean Society for Atmospheric Environment. All rigths reserved.

이 연구는 한국연구재단의 “MSW 원자단위 고부가 가치화(RS-2023-NR077231)”의 연구비 지원을 받아 수행되었습니다.