Abstract
In recent times, investigators have conducted extensive studies on carbon nitride-based photocatalytic materials. Earlier research mainly concentrated on the poly-condensation technique and the uses of the produced materials, whereas less attention was given to the starting precursors, which were broadly classified as nitrogen-rich. This research offers a complete examination of the appropriate precursors, highlighting their large-scale, economical, and safe production for carbon nitride-based materials. Safety evaluations of the precursors were examined, and a cost analysis was conducted to refine the choice of accessible precursors. Afterward, the surface area, photophysical, SEM, and electrochemical properties of the materials were characterized. The differences noted in the synthesized samples were addressed and contrasted with the current study. Additionally, the degradation efficiencies of Acetaminophen, Levofloxacin, and Cephalexin were assessed under a uniform UV light source. The toxicity of the resulting degradation solutions from the photocatalytic process was examined against E. coli bacteria. The results show that the selection of the initial precursor greatly affects the performance of the synthesized materials. In the area of water treatment from pharmaceuticals, the graphitic carbon nitride obtained from melamine exhibited better yield and effectiveness, with an appropriate mechanism suggested to clarify the noted results.