LAUSR

Abstract SO42− doped g-C3N4/Ag3PO4 composite photocatalyst was synthesized by ultrasonic irradiation. Some characterization techniques, e.g. X-ray powder diffraction, N2 physical adsorption, Scanning electron microscopy, Transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, transient photocurrent response and electrochemical impedance spectra were applied to investigate the physicochemical property of the as-prepared samples. Coupling of 7 wt% g-C3N4 can effectively enhance the separation of electrons/holes and elevate the specific surface area. Subsequently, doping SO42− leads to the shortening of the bond length of P–O bond, and further augments the carrier concentration. The produced SO42–C3N4/Ag3PO4 shows an excellent photocatalytic performance for RhB and ciprofloxacin degradation. The degradation rates of dye and ciprofloxacin over U–SO42–C3N4/Ag3PO4 were 3.9 and 2.0 times higher than those of bare Ag3PO4.