Preparation and Photocatalytic Performance of g-C3N4 Nanotubes

g-C3N4 nanotubes were prepared by pyrolysis of a mixture of melamine and ammonium bicarbonate via a simple and convenient method. The morphology and catalytic properties of the photocatalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), infrared spectroscopy (IR), N-2 adsorption-desorption, ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and UV-visible spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activity of g-C3N4 nanotubes to rhodamine B degradation was investigated. The photocatalytic activity of the g-C3N4 nanotubes under the visible light irradiation was effectively promoted because the tube structure can effectively promote the photo-electron transfer. The degradation percentage of rhodamine B was 95 and 99.4% at 60 and 120 min respective. The g-C3N4 nanotubes also displayed high recyclability.