Nanosponge-C3N4 composites with improved photocatalytic activity for selective partial alcohol oxidation in aqueous suspension

Composites of C3N4 with nanosponges based on β-cyclodextrins containing a 5% w/w of C3N4 were synthesised, physicochemicaly characterised and tested as heterogeneous photocatalysts for the degradation of 4-nitrophenol and for the partial oxidation of 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furfural and veratryl alcohol. The results outline a synergistic effect in terms of conversion and selectivity. The association of the nanosponges with the C3N4 enhances the photocatalytic activity of the semiconductor, possibly due to the local concentration effect occurring on the photocatalyst surface that would involve a concentration into the nanosponge matrix ca. 500 times larger than in the solution bulk. Composites of …