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In the present work, 2D monolayers of WS 2 and g-C 3 N 4 were synthesized for the preparation of WS 2 /g-C 3 N 4 nanostructure through a two-step process. 1D graphene oxide nanoribbons (GONRs) were synthesized via unzipping of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and applied for the preparation of three-component g-C 3 N 4 /WS 2 @rGONR (x) (x = 1, 2, and 5 wt%) nanocomposites. The synthesized nanocomposites were evaluated via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). The photocatalytic performance of the nanostructures was investigated in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) using the Fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) as the electrode. Subsequently, a possible photocatalytic mechanism was estimated. According to the results, the g-C 3 N 4 /WS 2 @rGONR (x) modified FTO has the lowest Tafel slope (60 mV dec−1), and overpotential (150 mV), the highest current density (47 mA cm−2) and also the maximum stability (19 mA for 3000s). Therefore, g-C 3 N 4 /WS 2 @rGONR (2) photocatalyst can be a novel and efficient candidate for hydrogen production as a clean fuel. • g-C 3 N 4 /WS 2 naosheets were prepared and placed on the graphene oxide nanoribbons. • Heterojunction g-C 3 N 4 /WS 2 @rGONR (x) nanocomposites were used in water splitting process. • rGONR act as an effective bridge for improving the photocatalytic properties of g-C 3 N 4 /WS 2. • g-C 3 N 4 /WS 2 @rGONR (2) photocatalyst showed promising performance for H 2 production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Successful synthesis of g-C 3 N 4 /Cu/TiO 2 composite as a photocatalyst. • High photocatalytic performance of the composite under visible light irradiation. • 60% degradation of endosulfan in aqueous medium after 80 min irradiation. • Enhanced photocatalytic activity compared to pure g-C 3 N 4 and Cu/TiO 2. The g-C 3 N 4 /Cu/TiO 2 (graphitic-carbon nitride/copper/titanium dioxide) nanocomposite as a photocatalyst was developed to degrade endosulfan, a very poisonous pesticide, in an aqueous medium under visible light irradiation. The structure, morphology, and optical properties of the synthesized nanocomposite were determined using SEM, XRD, FT-IR, DRS, EDX, and PL. The obtained results showed that incorporating the Cu and TiO 2 molecules onto g-C 3 N 4 led to enhance absorption ability in the visible region, as well as improved the separation of photo-excited electron–holes. Some operational factors such as initial pesticide concentration, pH, and the presence of anions were studied in the photocatalytic degradation of endosulfan. The 60% photocatalytic performance was achieved by 80 min irradiation of the endosulfan solution, which was three times higher than pure g-C 3 N 4. The improved photodegradation efficiency probably arose from the synergistic effect between three components of the composite photocatalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]