Functional characterization of hybrid porphyrincarbon dot nanostructures for optimized photocatalytic performance

¹ Democritus University of Thrace, Hephaestus Laboratory, School of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, St. Lucas, Kavala, 65404, Greece
² Democritus University of Thrace, Department of Forest and Natural Environment Sciences, 1st km of Drama - Mikrochori, Drama, 66100, Greece
³ Democritus University of Thrace, School of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, St. Lucas, Kavala, 65404, Greece

^* Corresponding author: kladomenou@chem.duth.gr

Abstract

Industrialization has resulted in a substantial increase in organic pollutants—particularly synthetic dyes—in aquatic ecosystems, posing serious environmental and public health risks. Many of these dyes are toxic or carcinogenic, necessitating effective removal strategies. However, conventional remediation methods are often energy-intensive, costly, and prone to producing secondary pollutants. Photocatalysis offers a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative by harnessing solar energy and benign reagents to degrade organic contaminants into CO2 and H2O without generating harmful by-products. In this study, we report the development of a novel hybrid photocatalyst comprising carbon dots (CDots) and zinc tetraphenylporphyrin (ZnTPP). In this system, CDots serve as photoelectron donors under light irradiation, while ZnTPP enhances visible light absorption, resulting in improved photocatalytic performance. The porphyrins TPP and ZnTPP were synthesized and characterized using UV- Vis and FT-IR spectroscopy. Subsequently, a hybrid CDots-ZnTPP material was prepared and characterized. The photocatalytic efficiency of the hybrid system was evaluated through the degradation of dye pollutants, demonstrating its potential for application in water purification.