CaV2O6/CaSiO3/g-C3N4 Nanocomposite for Visible-Light Pollutant Degradation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for photocatalytic degradation of pollutants, particularly heavy metal ions, face challenges such as poor specific surface area, rapid electron-hole pair recombination, and exfoliation in graphite-phase carbon nitride (g-C3N4), limiting their effectiveness in wastewater remediation.

Innovation Solution

A nanocomposite of graphite-phase carbon nitride, calcium metavanadate, and calcium silicate (CaV2O6/CaSiO3/g-C3N4) is used, which includes a porous structure with specific proportions and properties, enhancing surface area and light absorption, allowing effective photocatalytic degradation of pollutants under visible light.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If graphite-phase carbon nitride (g-C3N4) is used for photocatalytic degradation, then visible light responsiveness and chemical stability are improved, but specific surface area is poor and electron-hole pair recombination is rapid

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisible light responsivenessVSAvoidspecific surface area

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite material consisting of g-C3N4 nanosheets combined with metal oxide nanoparticles (such as TiO2, ZnO, or Fe2O3). This composite structure allows the material to maintain the visible light responsiveness of g-C3N4 while the metal oxide components provide additional active sites and improve electron-hole separation, thereby increasing the effective surface area for photocatalytic reactions without sacrificing the optical properties of the base material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Use of energy by moving object

If graphite-phase carbon nitride (g-C3N4) is used for photocatalytic degradation, then visible light responsiveness is improved, but electron-hole pair recombination is rapid

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisible light responsivenessVSAvoidelectron-hole pair recombination

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces metal oxide nanoparticles as intermediary substances that facilitate electron-hole pair separation. These metal oxides act as electron acceptors or donors, creating intermediate energy levels that prevent direct recombination of electron-hole pairs in g-C3N4. The intermediaries extend the charge carrier lifetime and improve the overall efficiency of the photocatalytic process while maintaining visible light absorption capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Area of stationary object

If metal nanoparticles are added to g-C3N4 nanosheets to prevent wrapping, then specific surface area and adsorption capacity are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespecific surface areaVSAvoidnanocomposite structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the inherent porous structure of g-C3N4 nanosheets and enhances it by creating a hierarchical porous architecture when combined with metal oxide nanoparticles. The porous structure provides high surface area without requiring complex external support structures. The pores facilitate pollutant diffusion and adsorption, while the nanoscale porosity maintains structural simplicity and ease of synthesis through conventional hydrothermal or solvothermal methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The nanocomposite achieves efficient photocatalytic degradation of a wide range of pollutants, including heavy metals and organic compounds, utilizing visible light and overcoming the limitations of g-C3N4, with improved structural properties and solar energy utilization.

Implementation Method 1

photocatalytic degradation of a pollutant using the nanocomposite including a graphite-phase carbon nitride, calcium metavanadate, and calcium silicate (CaV2O6/CaSiO3/g-C3N4)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotocatalysis: Photo-oxidation

Implementation Method 2

irradiating the nanocomposite with light to degrade one or more pollutants in the solution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS12486181B1Method of photocatalytic degradation of a pollutant using nanocomposite

Publication Date: 2025.12.02 IMAM MOHAMMAD IBN SAUD ISLAMIC UNIV

AI summary

A method of photocatalytic degradation of a polluted solution includes contacting a solution containing one or more pollutants with a graphite-phase carbon nitride, calcium metavanadate, and calcium silicate (CaV2O6/CaSiO3/g-C3N4) nanocomposite, followed by irradiating the nanocomposite with light to degrade one or more pollutants in the solution. The method further includes irradiating the CaV2O6/CaSiO3/g-C3N4 nanocomposite with a light having a wavelength of 200 to 800 nm to photocatalytically degrade the one or more pollutants in the solution.