Experimental method to explore the adaptation degree of type-Ⅱand all-solid-state Z-scheme heterojunction structures in the same degradation system

TiO2 nanoparticles were prepared using the hydrothermal method and modified with CgN to syn-thesize a Type-Ⅱheterojunction semiconductor photocatalyst,TiO2-C;Na.In addition,a carbon layerwas coated onto the TiO2 nanoparticles and the obtained material was uniformly covered on thesurface of CaNa to form an all-solid-state Z-scheme semiconductor photocatalyst,TiO2-C-C3N4,Through characterization by XRD,XPS,SEM,TEM,BET,photoelectrochemical experiments,UV-visible diffuse reflection,and PL spectroscopy,the charge transfer mechanism and band gappositions for the composite photocatalysts were analyzed.The Type-Ⅱand all-solid-state Z-schemeheterojunction structures were compared.By combining microscopic internal mechanisms withmacroscopic experimental phenomena,the relationship between performance and structure wasverified.Experimental methods were used to explore the adaptation degree of different photocata-lytic mechanisms using the same degradation system.This study highlights effective photocatalystdesign to meet the requirements for specific degradation conditions.

3D flower-like mesoporous Bi_(4)O_(5)I_(2)/MoS_(2)Z-scheme heterojunction with optimized photothermal-photocatalytic performance

3D flower-like hierarchical mesoporous Bi_(4)O_(5)I_(2)/MoS_(2)Z-scheme layered heterojunction photocatalyst was fabricated by oil bath and hydrothermal methods.The heterojunction with narrow band gap of~1.95 eV extended the photoresponse to near-infrared region,which showed obvious photothermal effect due to the introduction of MoS_(2) with broad spectrum response.MoS_(2) nanosheets were anchored onto the surface of flower-like hierarchical mesoporous Bi_(4)O_(5)I_(2) nanosheets,thereby forming efficient layered heterojunctions,the solar-driven photocatalytic efficiency in degradation of highly toxic dichlorophenol and reduction of hexavalent chromium was improved to 98.5%and 99.2%,which was~4 and 7 times higher than that of the pristine Bi_(4)O_(5)I_(2),respectively.In addition,the photocatalytic hydrogen production rate reached 496.78 μmol h^(-1)g^(-1),which was~6 times higher than that of the pristine Bi_(4)O_(5)I_(2).The excellent photocatalytic performance can be ascribed to the promoted photothermal effect,as well as,the formation of compact Z-scheme layered heterojunctions.The 3D flower-like hierarchical mesoporous structure provided adequate surface active-sites,which was conducive to the mass transfer.Moreover,the high stability of the prepared photocatalyst further promoted its potential practical application.This strategy also provides new insights for fabricating layered Zscheme heterojunctions photocatalysts with highly photothermal-photocatalytic efficiency.

Sequential Growth of Cs_(3)Bi_(2)I_(9)/BiVO_(4)Direct Z-Scheme Heterojunction for Visible-Light-Driven Photocatalytic CO_(2)Reduction

The high exciton binding energy and lack of a positive oxidation band potential restrict the photocatalytic CO_(2)reduction efficiency of lead-free Bi-based halide perovskites Cs_(3)Bi_(2)X_(9)(X=Br,I).In this study,a sequential growth method is presented to prepare a visible-light-driven(λ>420 nm)Z-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst composed of BiVO_(4)nanocrystals decorated on a Cs_(3)Bi_(2)I_(9)nanosheet for photocatalytic CO_(2)reduction coupled with water oxidation.The Cs_(3)Bi_(2)I_(9)/BiVO_(4)Z-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst is stable in the gas-solid photocatalytic CO_(2)reduction system,demonstrating a high visible-light-driven photocatalytic CO_(2)-to-CO production rate of 17.5μmol/(g·h),which is approximately three times that of pristine Cs_(3)Bi_(2)I_(9).The high efficiency of the Cs_(3)Bi_(2)I_(9)/BiVO_(4)heterojunction was attributed to the improved charge separation in Cs_(3)Bi_(2)I_(9).Moreover,the Z-scheme charge-transfer pathway preserves the negative reduction potential of Cs_(3)Bi_(2)I_(9)and the positive oxidation potential of BiVO_()4.This study off ers solid evidence of constructing Z-scheme heterojunctions to improve the photocatalytic performance of lead-free halide perovskites and would inspire more ideas for developing leadfree halide perovskite photocatalysts.

Defect-assisted surface modification enhances the visible light photocatalytic performance of g-C_3N_4@C-TiO_2 direct Z-scheme heterojunctions

To increase the number of active sites and defects in TiO2 and promote rapid and efficient transfer of photogenerated charges, a g-C3N4@C-TiO2 composite photocatalyst was prepared via in situ deposition of g-C3N4 on a carbon-doped anatase TiO2 surface. The effects of carbon doping state and surface modification of g-C3N4 on the performance of g-C3N4@C-TiO2 composite photocatalysts were studied by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, UV-visible diffuse-reflectance spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, photoluminescence, and electron paramagnetic resonance. With increasing carbon doping content, the carbon doping state in TiO2 gradually changed from gap to substitution doping. Although the number of oxygen vacancies gradually increased, the degradation efficiency of g-C3N4@C-TiO2 for RhB (phenol) initially increased and subsequently decreased with increasing carbon content. The g-C3N4@10C-TiO2 sample exhibited the highest apparent reaction rate constant of 0.036 min儃1 (0.039 min儃1) for RhB (phenol) degradation, which was 150 (139), 6.4 (6.8), 2.3 (3), and 1.7 (2.1) times higher than that of pure TiO2, 10C-TiO2, g-C3N4, and g-C3N4@TiO2, respectively. g-C3N4 was grown in situ on the surface of C-TiO2 by surface carbon hybridization and bonding. The resultant novel g-C3N4@C-TiO2 photocatalyst exhibited direct Z-scheme heterojunctions with non-local impurity levels. The high photocatalytic activity can be attributed to the synergistic effects of the improved visible light response ability, higher photogenerated electron transfer efficiency, and redox ability arising from Z-type heterojunctions.

Direct electrospinning method for the construction of Z-scheme TiO_2/g-C_3N_4/RGO ternary heterojunction photocatalysts with remarkably ameliorated photocatalytic performance

A series of Z-scheme TiO2/g-C3N4/RGO ternary heterojunction photocatalysts are successfully constructed via a direct electrospinning technique coupled with an annealing process for the first time. They are investigated comprehensively in terms of crystal structure, morphology, composition, specific surface area, photoelectrochemical properties, photodegradation performance, etc. Compared with binary TiO2/g-C3N4 and single-component photocatalysts, ternary heterojunction photocatalysts show the best photodegradation performance for RhB under stimulated sunlight. This can be attributed to the enlarged specific surface area (111.41 m2/g), the formation of Z-scheme heterojunction, and the high separation migration efficiency of photoexcited charge carriers. A potential Z-scheme mechanism for ternary heterojunction photocatalysts is proposed to elucidate the remarkably ameliorated photocatalytic performance based on active species trapping experiments, PL detection test of hydroxyl radicals, and photoelectrochemical properties.

Z-scheme N-doped K4Nb6O17/g-C3N4 heterojunction with superior visible-light-driven photocatalytic activity for organic pollutant removal and hydrogen production

A simple calcination method was employed to prepare a Z-scheme N-doped K4Nb6O17/g-C3N4(KCN)heterojunction photocatalyst,in which the electronic structure of K4Nb6O17 was regulated by N-doping,and g-C3N4 was formed both on the surface and within the interlayer spaces of K4Nb6O17.The KCN composite showed profoundly improved photocatalytic activity for both H2 generation and RhB degradation compared to its counterparts.This improved performance was attributed to the synergistic effects of N-doping,which broadened its light harvesting ability,and heterojunction formation,which increased the charge separation rate.The relatively low BET specific surface area of the KCN composite had little effect on its photocatalytic activity.Based on ESR spectroscopy studies,•O2^−,•OH,and h^+are the main active species in the photocatalytic degradation of RhB.Thus,it is reasonable to propose a Z-scheme photocatalytic mechanism over the KCN composite,which exhibits the dual advantages of efficient charge separation and high redox ability.Our work provides a simple approach for constructing large-scale Z-scheme heterojunction photocatalysts with high photocatalytic performance.

Fabrication of Z-scheme MoO3/Bi2O4 heterojunction photocatalyst with enhanced photocatalytic performance under visible light irradiation

Constructing Z-scheme heterojunction to improve the separation efficiency of photogenerated carriers of photocatalysts has gained extensive attention.In this work,we fabricated a novel Z-scheme MoO3/Bi2O4 heterojunction photocatalyst by a hydrothermal method.XPS analysis results indicated that strong interaction between MoO3 and Bi2O4 is generated,which contributes to charge transfer and separation of the photogenerated carriers.This was confirmed by photoluminescence(PL)and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy(EIS)tests.The photocatalytic performance of the as-synthesized photocatalysts was evaluated by degrading rhodamine B(RhB)in aqueous solution under visible light irradiation,showing that 15%MoO3/Bi2O4(15-MB)composite exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity,which is 2 times higher than that of Bi2O4.Besides,the heterojunction photocatalyst can keep good photocatalytic activity and stability after five recycles.Trapping experiments demonstrated that the dominant active radicals in photocatalytic reactions are superoxide radical( O2-)and holes(h+),indicating that the 15-MB composite is a Z-scheme photocatalyst.Finally,the mechanism of the Z-scheme MoO3/Bi2O4 composite for photo-degrading RhB in aqueous solution is proposed.This work provides a promising strategy for designing Bi-based Z-scheme heterojunction photocatalysts for highly efficient removal of environmental pollutants.

Construction of a few-layer g-C_3N_4/α-MoO_3 nanoneedles all-solid-state Z-scheme photocatalytic system for photocatalytic degradation

The suppression of the recombination of electrons and holes(e–h) and the enhancement of the light absorption of semiconductors are two key points toward efficient photocatalytic degradation.Here,we report a few-layer g-C_3N_4/α-MoO_3 nanoneedles(flg-C_3N_4/α-MoO_3 NNs) all-solid-state Z-scheme mechanism photocatalyst synthesized via a typical hydrothermal method in a controlled manner.The recombination of the photo-induced e–h pairs could be effectively restrained by the Z-scheme passageway between the flg-C_3N_4 and α-MoO_3 NNs in the composite,which could also promise a high redox ability to degrade pollutants.And it became possible for the prepared photocatalyst to absorb light in a wide range of wavelengths.The detailed mechanism was studied by electron spin-resonance spectroscopy(ESR).The low-dimensional nanostructure of the two constituents(α-MoO_3 NNs with one-dimensional structure and flg-C_3N_4 with two-dimensional structure) endowed the composite with varieties of excellent physicochemical properties,which facilitated the transfer and diffusion of the photoelectrons and increased the specific surface area and the active sites.The 10 wt% flg-C_3N_4/α-MoO_3 NNs showed the best photocatalytic performance toward RhB degradation,the rate of which was 71.86%,～2.6 times higher than that ofα-MoO_3 NNs.

Designing all-solid-state Z-Scheme 2D g-C_3N_4/Bi_2WO_6 for improved photocatalysis and photocatalytic mechanism insight

Bi_2WO_6 was modified by two-dimensional g-C_3N_4(2D g-C_3N_4)via a hydrothermal method.The structure,morphology,optical and electronic properties were investigated by multiple techniques,including X-ray diffraction(XRD),X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy spectra(XPS),Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FT-IR),scanning electron microscopy(SEM),transmission electron microscopy(TEM),Ultravioletvisible diffuse reflection spectroscopy(DRS),photocurrent and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy(EIS),electron spin resonance(ESR),respectively.Rhodamine B(Rh B)was used as the target organic pollutant to research the photocatalytic performance of as-prepared composites.The Bi_2WO_6/2D g-C_3N_4exhibited a remarkable improvement compared with the pure Bi_2WO_6.The enhanced photocatalytic activity was because the photogenerated electrons and holes can quickly separate by Z-Scheme passageway in composites.The photocatalytic mechanism was also researched in detail through ESR analysis.

An effective CdS/Ti-Fe_(2)O_(3)heterojunction photoanode:Analyzing Z-scheme charge-transfer mechanism for enhanced photoelectrochemical water-oxidation activity

Z-scheme photocatalytic system has been regarded as a popular field of research in photoelectrochemical(PEC)water splitting.Among the many obstacles facing a Z-scheme photocatalytic system,the analysis methods of interfacial Z-scheme charge transfer still remain a significant challenge.Hence,in this study,CdS/Ti-Fe_(2)O_(3)heterojunction photoanodes are elaborately designed to explore the charge-transfer behavior in PEC water splitting.In this study,photophysical measurements,including the Kelvin probe measurement,surface photovoltage spectroscopy(SPV),and transient photovoltage spectroscopy(TPV),are used to monitor the migration behavior of photogenerated charges at the interface electric field of CdS/Ti-Fe_(2)O_(3)Z-scheme heterojunction photoanodes.The Kelvin probe and SPV measurements demonstrate that CdS/Ti-Fe_(2)O_(3)interfacial driving force favors the rapid transfer of photoexcited electrons to CdS.The double-beam strategy based on TPV indicates that more electrons of Ti-Fe_(2)O_(3)are combined with the holes of CdS owing to the intensive interface electric field.The results of these measurements successfully prove the Z-scheme migration mechanism of CdS/Ti-Fe_(2)O_(3)photoanodes.Benefiting from the desirable charge transfer at the interface electric field,CdS/Ti-Fe_(2)O_(3)photoanodes exhibit superior photocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction performance compared with that of pure Ti-Fe_(2)O_(3).The photocurrent density of the 25CdS/Ti-Fe_(2)O_(3)photoanode reaches 1.94 mA/cm^(2) at 1.23 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode without excess cocatalyst,and it is two times higher than that of pure Ti-Fe_(2)O_(3)photoanode.Therefore,an outstanding strategy is provided in this study to prove the Z-scheme charge-transfer mechanism of photocatalytic systems in PEC water splitting.

Self-template-oriented synthesis of lead-free perovskite Cs_(3)Bi_(2)I_(9) nanosheets for boosting photocatalysis of CO_(2) reduction over Z-scheme heterojunction Cs_(3)Bi_(2)I_(9)/CeO_(2)

Lead halide perovskite (LHP) nanocrystals have been intensely studied as photocatalysts for artificial photosynthesis in recent years.However,the toxicity of lead in LHP seriously limits their potential for widespread applications.Herein,we first present the synthesis of 2D lead-free halide perovskite (Cs_(3)Bi_(2)I_(9)) nanosheets with self-template-oriented method,in which BiOI/Bi_(2)O_(2) nanosheets were used as the template and Bi ion source simultaneously.Through facile electrostatic self-assembly strategy,a Z-scheme heterojunction composed of Cs_(3)Bi_(2)I_(9)nanosheets and CeO_(2) nanosheets (Cs_(3)Bi_(2)I_(9)/CeO_(2)-3:1) was constructed as photocatalyst for the photo-reduction of CO_(2) coupled with the oxidation of H_(2)O.Due to the matching energy levels and the close interfacial contact between Cs_(3)Bi_(2)I_(9)and CeO_(2) nanosheets,the separation efficiency of the photogenerated carriers in Cs_(3)Bi_(2)I_(9)/CeO_(2)-3:1 composite was significantly improved.Consequently,the environment-friendly halide perovskite heterojunction Cs_(3)Bi_(2)I_(9)/CeO_(2)-3:1presents impressive photocatalytic activity for the reduction of CO_(2)to CH_(4)and CO with an electron consumption yield of 877.04μmol g^(-1),which is over 7 and 15 times higher than those of pristine Cs_(3)Bi_(2)I_(9)and CeO_(2)nanosheets,exceeding the yield of other reported bismuth-based perovskite for photocatalytic CO_(2)reduction.

Double Z-Scheme g-C_(3)N_(4)/BiOI/CdS heterojunction with I_(3)^(-)/I^(-) pairs for enhanced visible light photocatalytic performance

The g-C_(3)N_(4)/BiOI/CdS double Z-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst with I_(3)^(-)/I^(-) redox pairs is prepared using simple calcination,solvothermal,and solution chemical deposition methods.The photocatalyst comprised mesoporous,thin g-C_(3)N_(4) nanosheets loaded on flower-like microspheres of BiOI with CdS quantum dots.The g-C_(3)N_(4)/BiOI/CdS double Z-scheme heterojunction has abundant active sites and in situ redox I_(3)^(-)/I^(-) mediators and shows quantum size effects,which are all conducive to enhancing the separation of photoinduced charges and increasing the photocatalytic degradation efficiency for bisphenol A,a model pollutant.Specifically,the heterojunction photocatalyst achieves a photocatalytic degradation efficiency for bisphenol A of 98.62%in 120 min and photocatalytic hydrogen production of 863.44 mmol h^(-1) g^(-1) on exposure to visible light.The excellent visible-light photocatalytic performance is as a result of the Z-scheme heterojunction,which extends absorption to the visible light region,as well as the I_(3)^(-)/I^(-) pairs,which accelerate photoinduced charge carrier transfer and separation,thus dramatically boosting the photocatalytic performance.In addition,the key role of the charge transfer across the indirect Z-scheme heterojunction has been elucidated and the transfer mechanism is confirmed based on the detection of intermediate I_(3)^(-)ions.Thus,this study provides guidelines for the design of indirect Z-scheme heterojunction photocatalysts.

Built-in electric field intensified by photothermoelectric effect drives charge separation over Z-scheme 3D/2D In_(2)Se_(3)/PCN heterojunction for high-efficiency photocatalytic CO_(2) reduction

It is a challenging issue to further drive charge separation through the oriented design of Z-scheme het-erojunction in the exploitation of cost-effective photocatalytic materials.In this contribution,the unique Z-scheme 3D/2D In_(2)Se_(3)/PCN heterojunction is developed through implanting In_(2)Se_(3) microspheres on PCN nanosheets using an in situ growth technique,which acquires the effective CO generation activity from photocatalytic CO_(2) reduction(CO_(2)R).The CO yield of 4 h in the CO_(2)R reaction over the optimal In_(2)Se_(3)/PCN-15 sample reaches up to 11.40 and 2.41 times higher than that of individual PCN and In_(2)Se_(3),respectively.Such greatly enhanced photocatalytic performance is primarily the improvement of photo-generated carrier separation efficiency.To be more specific,the formed built-in electric field is signifi-cantly intensified by producing the temperature difference potential between In_(2)Se_(3) and PCN owing to the photothermoelectric effect of In_(2)Se_(3),which actuates the high-efficiency separation of photogenerated charge carriers along the Z-scheme transfer path in the In_(2)Se_(3)/PCN heterojunction.The effective strat-egy of enhancing the built-in electric field to drive photogenerated charge separation proposed in this work opens up an innovative avenue to design Z-scheme heterojunction applied to high-efficiency pho-tocatalytic reactions,such as hydrogen generation from water splitting,CO_(2)R,and degradation of organic pollutants.

Coupled Cu doping and Z-scheme heterojunction for synergistically enhanced tetracycline photodegradation

Semiconductor-based photocatalysis by utilizing solar energy for sustainable organic pollutant elimination has been a promising tactic to alleviate environmental issues.Nevertheless,the development of robust and efficient photocatalysts to degrade organic pollutants still faces major challenges because of insufficient charge separation.Here we design and fabricate a heterojunction consisting of copper,carbon-modified TiO_(2),and sulfur-doped g-C_(3)N_(4)nanosheets(i.e.,S-C_(3)N_(4)/Cu/C-TiO_(2)).The heterostructure affords a remarkable synergistic photocatalysis for tetracycline hydrochloride degradation,achieving an 82.6%removal efficiency within 30 min under visible light irradiation,about 15.4 and 7.3 times higher than that of S-C_(3)N_(4)and C-TiO_(2),respectively.The superior performance is attributed to the synergy between Cu doping and the Z-scheme heterojunction,which not only enhances the interfacial electric field effect,facilitating charge separation,but also boosts the redox capability.The charge carrier transfer between Cu/C-TiO_(2)and S-C_(3)N_(4)follows a Z-scheme,as verified by trapping experiments,electron spin-resonance spectroscopy,and density functional theory calculations.Furthermore,the tetracycline hydrochloride degradation pathways are enunciated by liquid chromatograph mass spectrometry analysis.This work provides an effective approach for constructing high-performance photocatalysts that have potential in environmental remediation.

ZnO/CeO_(2)/carbon xerogel composites with direct Z-scheme heterojunctions:Enhancing photocatalytic remediation of 4-chlorophenol under visible light

This paper aims to create visible light driven ternary photocatalysts using zinc oxide(ZnO),cerium(IV)oxide(CeO_(2)),and carbon xerogel(CX) as constituent materials.The use of CeO_(2) is based on the creation of direct-Z-scheme heterojunctions with the ZnO and the consequent diminishing of charge recombination,whereas the carbon xerogel inclusion is predicted to minimize bandgap energy,decrease electro n-hole reco mbination,and boost specific surface area.Furthermo re,the choice of the black-wattle tannin as a carbonaceous precursor was targeted at the development of an environmentally friendly and affordable composite.The existence of the hexagonal phase of zinc oxide and cubic structure of the cerium(IV) oxide in the ternary material was confirmed by X-ray diffractometry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy,with the latter also suggesting chemical bonding between the ZnO and the CX due to the creation of zinc oxycarbide complexes.The inclusion of the carbon xerogel provokes a significant modification in the morphology of the ternary material,resulting in an increased surface area and smaller particle aggregates.The CX/ZnO-CeO_(2) ternary composite obtains the highest photocatalytic efficiency among all the materials studied,degrading 100% of 4-chlorophenol under simulated sunlight and 68% under visible radiation,after 5 h.The increased photocatalytic activity can be attributed to the formation of direct Z-scheme heterojunctions between the semiconductors,higher visible light response,and higher specific surface area,as evidenced by the results obtained by active radical scavenging,chronoamperometry,diffuse reflectance spectroscopy,and N_(2) adsorption-desorption isotherms.

Bifunctional noble-metal-free cocatalyst coating enabling better coupling of photocatalytic CO_(2)reduction and H_(2)O oxidation on direct Z-scheme heterojunction

Selective loading of spatially separated redox cocatalysts on direct Z-scheme heterojunctions holds great promise for advancing the efficiency of artificial photosynthesis,which however is limited to the photodeposition of noble metal cocatalysts and the fabrication of hollow double-shelled semiconductor heterojunctions.Moreover,the co-exposure of discrete cocatalyst and semiconductor increases the product diversity when both the exposed sites of which participate in CO_(2)photoreduction.Herein,we present a facile and versatile protocol to overcome these limitations via surface coating of Z-scheme heterojunctions with bifunctional noble-metal-free cocatalysts.With Cu_(2)O/Fe_(2)O_(3)(CF)as a model heterojunction and layered Ni(OH)_(2)as a model cocatalyst,it is found that Ni(OH)_(2)lying on the surfaces of Cu_(2)O and Fe_(2)O_(3)separately co-catalyzes the CO_(2)reduction and H_(2)O oxidation.Thorough experimental and theoretical investigation reveals that the Ni(OH)_(2)outer layer:(i)mitigates the charge recombination in CF and balances their transfer and consumption;(ii)reduces the rate-determining barriers for CO_(2)-to-CO and H_(2)O-to-O_(2)conversion,(iii)suppresses the side proton reduction occurring on CF,and(iv)protects the CF from component detachment.As expected,the redox reactions stoichiometrically proceed,and significantly enhanced photocatalytic activity,selectivity,and stability in CO generation are achieved by the stacked Cu_(2)O/Fe_(2)O_(3)@Ni(OH)_(2)in contrast to CF.This study demonstrates the significance of the synergy between bifunctional cocatalysts and Z-scheme heterojunctions for improving the efficacy of overall redox reactions,opening a fresh avenue for the rational design of artificial photosynthetic systems.

The Sb-N charge transfer bridge over Cs_(3)Sb_(2)Br_(9)/Sb-C_(3)N_(4)Z-scheme heterojunction for boosting photocatalytic CO_(2)reduction

Developing highly efficient heterostructural photocatalysts for direct CO_(2)reduction coupled with water oxidation remains challenging,the key to which is to establish an efficient interfacial charge transport channel.Herein,we present a Cs_(3)Sb_(2)Br_(9)/Sb–C_(3)N_(4)Z-scheme heterojunction prepared with an in-situ growth method based on the Sb atomic pinning effect.As revealed by the analysis of experimental and theoretical calculation results,the introduction of Sb anchors on C_(3)N_(4)leads to the formation of an Sb–N charge transfer bridge between Cs_(3)Sb_(2)Br_(9)and C_(3)N_(4),promoting interfacial charge communication over Cs_(3)Sb_(2)Br_(9)/Sb–C_(3)N_(4)heterojunction.Moreover,it can induce the heterojunction interfacial charge transfer pathway between Cs_(3)Sb_(2)Br_(9)and C_(3)N_(4)to change from type II to the type Z-scheme,enabling the change of the catalytic site from C_(3)N_(4)to Cs_(3)Sb_(2)Br_(9),thus promoting the CO_(2)activation.As a result,Cs_(3)Sb_(2)Br_(9)/Sb–C_(3)N_(4)achieves efficient CO_(2)to CO photocatalytic conversion using water as the electron source under simulated solar light irradiation(100 mW·cm^(−2)),with the yield of 198.4μmol·g^(−1)·h^(−1),which is nearly 3-fold and 9-fold over the counterpart synthesized catalyst without Sb anchors(Cs_(3)Sb_(2)Br_(9)/g–C_(3)N_(4))and pure g–C_(3)N_(4),respectively.This work provides a new alternative solution for the design of highly efficient heterojunction photocatalysts.

Z-scheme Bi_(4)O_(5)Br_(2)/NH_(2)-MIL-125(Ti)heterojunctions enable exceptional visible photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutant

One key strategy to enhance photocatalytic performance is to improve the transfer and separation efficiency of photogenerated carriers by building optimized heterojunctions.Herein,novel Bi_(4)O_5Br_(2)/NH_(2)-MIL-125(Ti)Z-scheme heterojunctions are fabricated and used as photocatalysts for organic pollutant photodegradation.The NH_(2)-MIL-125(Ti)nanosheets are exfoliated via a self-developed alkali solution stripping approach and then uniformly decorated on Bi_(4)O_(5)Br_(2).The as-prepared Bi_(4)O_(5)Br_(2)/NH_(2)-MIL-125(Ti)presents more than 90%degradation of various pollutants,outperforming the counterpart individual ones.The various characterization results suggest that the enhanced degradation rate is due to the more intimate face-to-face interfacial contact of the lamellar Z-scheme heterojunction materials,in which the migration path of carriers from the material's interior to the surface can be reduced,in turn enhancing migration efficiency and separation capability significantly.A possible photocatalytic reaction mechanism is proposed based on the photoelectric behaviors,radical trapping experiments and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry analysis.This work promotes the development of new photocatalytic materials for heterojunctions with face-to-face interfacial contacts,as well as the effective purification of wastewater in environmental remediation.

Enhanced visible light photocatalytic H_2 production over Z-scheme g-C_3N_4 nansheets/WO_3 nanorods nanocomposites loaded with Ni(OH)_x cocatalysts

Novel WO3/g-C3N4/Ni（OH）x hybrids have been successfully synthesized by a two-step strategy of high temperature calcination and in situ photodeposition.Their photocatalytic performance was investigated using TEOA as a hole scavenger under visible light irradiation.The loading of WO3 and Ni（OH）x cocatalysts boosted the photocatalytic H2 evolution efficiency of g-C3N4.WO3/g-C3N4/Ni（OH）x with 20 wt%defective WO3 and 4.8 wt%Ni（OH）x showed the highest hydrogen production rate of 576 μmol/（g·h）,which was 5.7,10.8 and 230 times higher than those of g-C3N4/4.8 wt%Ni（OH）x,20 wt%WO3/C3N4 and g-C3N4 photocatalysts,respectively.The remarkably enhanced H2 evolution performance was ascribed to the combination effects of the Z-scheme heterojunction（WO3/g-C3N4） and loaded cocatalysts（Ni（OH）x）,which effectively inhibited the recombination of the photoexcited electron-hole pairs of g-C3N4 and improved both H2 evolution and TEOA oxidation kinetics.The electron spin resonance spectra of ·O2^- and ·OH radicals provided evidence for the Z-scheme charge separation mechanism.The loading of easily available Ni（OH）x cocatalysts on the Z-scheme WO3/g-C3N4 nanocomposites provided insights into constructing a robust multiple-heterojunction material for photocatalytic applications.

Rationally construction of atomic-precise interfacial charge transfer channel and strong build-in electric field in nanocluster-based Zscheme heterojunctions with enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen production

The lack of effective charge transfer driving force and channel limits the electron directional migration in nanoclusters(NC)-based heterostructures,resulting in poor photocatalytic performance.Herein,a Z-scheme NC-based heterojunction(Pt1Ag28-BTT/CoP,BTT=1,3,5-benzenetrithiol)with strong internal electric field is constructed via interfacial Co-S bond,which exhibits an absolutely superiority in photocatalytic performance with 24.89 mmol·h^(−1)·g−1 H_(2)production rate,25.77%apparent quantum yield at 420 nm,and~100%activity retention in stability,compared with Pt1Ag28-BDT/CoP(BDT=1,3-benzenedithiol),Ag29-BDT/CoP,and CoP.The enhanced catalytic performance is contributed by the dual modulation strategy of inner core and outer shell of NC,wherein,the center Pt single atom doping regulates the band structure of NC to match well with CoP,builds internal electric field,and then drives photogenerated electrons steering;the accurate surface S modification promotes the formation of Co-S atomic-precise interface channel for further high-efficient Z-scheme charge directional migration.This work opens a new avenue for designing NC-based heterojunction with matchable band structure and valid interfacial charge transfer.