An Efficient p–n Heterojunction Photocatalyst Constructed from a Coordination Polymer Nanoplate and a Partically Reduced Graphene Oxide for Visible‐Light Hydrogen Production

A new p–n heterojunction photocatalyst has been synthesized successfully through chemical‐bond‐mediated combination of coordination polymer nanoplates (CPNPs) and partially reduced graphene oxide (PRGO) with a simple colloidal blending process. Photocatalytic H₂ production by the p–n heterojunction photocatalyst PRGO / CPNP was investigated under visible‐light irradiation, which illustrates that PRGO / CPNP exhibits a much higher photocatalytic H₂ production rate than neat the CPNPs. The improvement of this photocatalytic property can be attributed to the inner electrical field formed in the p–n heterojunction, which impedes recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes. In PRGO / CPNP, the existence of the p–n heterojunction has been confirmed by electrochemical methods clearly. For PRGO / CPNP, the reductive degree of the PRGO has a great influence on the H₂ production rate and an ideal condition to get a PRGO / CPNP photocatalyst with higher performance has been obtained.     

Chemical‐Bond‐Mediated p–n Heterojunction Photocatalyst Constructed from Coordination Polymer Nanoparticles and a Conducting Copolymer: Visible‐Light Active and Highly Efficient

A visible‐light‐active p–n heterojunction photocatalyst has been synthesized by the enwrapping of poly[aniline‐co‐N‐(4‐sulfophenyl)aniline] ( PAPSA ) on a coordination polymer nanoparticle ( NCP ). Compared with the visible‐light‐inactive NCP , the new p–n heterojunction photocatalyst, PAPSA/NCP , exhibits a much higher efficiency in the reduction of Cr^VI under visible light. PAPSA performs two functions in this p–n heterojunction photocatalyst. First, as a visible‐light‐active material, it extends the photoresponse region of the photocatalyst from the ultraviolet to the visible‐light region. Secondly, as a p‐type semiconductor possessing suitable energy levels with respect to NCP , PAPSA forms a p–n heterojunction with the n‐type NCP ; the inner electric field of the p–n heterojunction accelerates the separation of electrons and holes, which enhances the photocatalytic efficiency. Furthermore, the p–n heterojunction photocatalyst exhibits outstanding stability during the photocatalytic reduction of Cr^VI.     

A Novel Visible Light-Driven p-Type BiFeO3/n-Type SnS2 Heterojunction Photocatalyst for Efficient Charge Separation and Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity

This present investigation focused on novel p-type bismuth ferrite (BiFeO₃)/n-type tin sulfide (SnS₂) heterostructure photocatalyst has been favorably attained via a facile two-step process followed by co-precipitation approach for enhances the photocatalytic activity through the degradation of Methylene Blue (MB) and Rhodamine B (RhB) organic dyes under visible-light illumination. Structural, optical, and photocatalytic behavior of the prepared BiFeO₃ and BiFeO₃/SnS₂ photocatalysts are carefully explored. The photocatalytic efficiency of BiFeO₃/SnS₂ nanocatalyst was calculated to be 83%, 78% for MB and RhB, respectively, within 120 min illumination whereas the pure BiFeO₃ nanoparticle was 58% and 56% for MB and RhB. This prominent enhancement of visible light photocatalytic activity can be ascribed to the separation as well as the transfer of photogenerated charge carriers, successful exploitation of visible light absorption and donates the enlarged number of photocatalytic active sites by the formation of BiFeO₃/SnS₂ p-n heterojunction.

     

Facile synthesis of Z-scheme NiO/α-MoO3 p-n heterojunction for improved photocatalytic activity towards degradation of methylene blue

In this article, Z-scheme NiO/α-MoO₃ p-n heterojunction is successfully synthesized by a facile hydrothermal route. The phase and nanostructures are researched through a series of characterizations, such as XRD, SEM, TEM, EDX, XPS and DRS. It is confirmed that the NiO nanoparticles are deposited homogeneously on one dimensional α-MoO₃ nanobelts and p-n heterojuction is constructed at the interface of α-MoO₃ and NiO. Photocatalytic activity of the as-synthesized photocatalysts is investigated by photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) under simulated solar light irradiation. Compared with bare α-MoO₃, the NiO/α-MoO₃ p-n heterojunction exhibits significantly improved photocatalytic activity and photostability for MB degradation. The improvement in the photocatalytic performance can be attributed to the optimization of the charge transport pathway offered by Z-scheme heterojunctions, which can promote the effective separation of electron-hole pairs. The results indicate that Z-scheme NiO/α-MoO₃ p-n heterojunction is a novel and efficient photocatalyst with potential application for the removal of organic contaminant in wastewater.     

Isotypic heterojunction based on Fe-doped and terephthalaldehyde-modified carbon nitride for improving photocatalytic degradation with simultaneous hydrogen production

To achieve an efficient photocatalytic for clean energy production and environmental remediation, the highly active Fe-doped and terephthalaldehyde-modified carbon nitride (Fe-CN/NTE) isotypic heterojunction photocatalyst is constructed via a simple annealing method for degradation of organic pollutants with simultaneous resource recovery. The Fe-CN/NTE catalyst exhibits a 93% removal rate of p-nitrophenol (4-NP) and a 1.72 mmol/g H₂ evolution rate in 2 h simultaneously under visible light irradiation, which are higher than those of pristine CN, Fe-CN, and NTE, respectively. Photoelectrochemical tests show that the excellent photocatalytic performance of Fe-CN/NTE comes from the improved migration, transportation, and separation of photoinduced charge carriers and expanded light-harvesting range. Moreover, hydroxyl radical (OH), electron (e⁻), and hole (h⁺) are the main active species and the rational mechanism of 4-NP photodegradation was proposed based on scavenger measurements and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC–MS), respectively. Isotypic heterojunction Fe-CN/NTE photocatalyst possesses excellent stability in the H₂ evolution and 4-NP degradation during five-run cycle tests, posing as a promising candidate in practical works for organic pollution and energy challenges.     

Interfacial engineering of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4)-based metal sulfide heterojunction photocatalysts for energy conversion: A review

As one of the most appealing and attractive technologies, photocatalysis is widely used as a promising method to circumvent the environmental and energy problems. Due to its chemical stability and unique physicochemical, graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) has become research hotspots in the community. However, g-C₃N₄ photocatalyst still suffers from many problems, resulting in unsatisfactory photocatalytic activity such as low specific surface area, high charge recombination and insufficient visible light utilization. Since 2009, g-C₃N₄-based heterostructures have attracted the attention of scientists worldwide for their greatly enhanced photocatalytic performance. Overall, this review summarizes the recent advances of g-C₃N₄-based nanocomposites modified with transition metal sulfide (TMS), including (1) preparation of pristine g-C₃N₄, (2) modification strategies of g-C₃N₄, (3) design principles of TMS-modified g-C₃N₄ heterostructured photocatalysts, and (4) applications in energy conversion. What is more, the characteristics and transfer mechanisms of each classification of the metal sulfide heterojunction system will be critically reviewed, spanning from the following categories: (1) Type I heterojunction, (2) Type II heterojunction, (3) p-n heterojunction, (4) Schottky junction and (5) Z-scheme heterojunction. Apart from that, the application of g-C₃N₄-based heterostructured photocatalysts in H₂ evolution, CO₂ reduction, N₂ fixation and pollutant degradation will also be systematically presented. Last but not least, this review will conclude with invigorating perspectives, limitations and prospects for further advancing g-C₃N₄-based heterostructured photocatalysts toward practical benefits for a sustainable future.     

In-situ construction of amorphous/crystalline contact Bi2S3/Bi4O7 heterostructures for enhanced visible-light photocatalysis

Constructing a heterojunction photocatalyst is a significant method to enhance photocatalytic activity because it can promote the separation of photogenerated carriers. Herein, amorphous/crystalline contact Bi₂S₃/Bi₄O₇ heterostructure was successfully synthesized by in-situ sulfidation of Bi₄O₇. The amorphous Bi₂S₃ is diffused on the surface of Bi₄O₇ rod, enhancing the visible light response and improving the transport of photogenerated carriers. Various characterizations confirm that the rapid separation of photogenerated carriers leads to increased photocatalytic performance. The optimized Bi₂S₃/Bi₄O₇ heterostructure photocatalyst (BiS-0.15) exhibits the highest Cr(VI) reduction (0.01350 min⁻¹) and RhB oxidation (0.08011 min⁻¹) activity, which is much higher than that of pure Bi₄O₇ and Bi₂S₃/Bi₄O₇ mixture under visible light irradiation. This work provides new insights into the construction of efficient novel photocatalysts.     

A new acidic Ti sol impregnated kaolin photocatalyst: synthesis, characterization and visible light photocatalytic performance

In this study, a photocatalyst with visible light photocatalytic activity was obtained using raw materials, including commercial TiO₂, sulfuric acid, and calcined kaolin (CK). The photocatalyst was prepared via a dissolving/impregnating process, in which acidic Ti sol was obtained by initially dissolving TiO₂ particles in sulfuric acid, and then using the sol as impregnant for the CK. The prepared photocatalyst had wide spectral region and narrow band gap. In addition, the impregnation can create acid sites on the obtained composite surface and consequently improve the activity. A series of tests was performed to characterize the properties of the prepared samples. The visible light photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange (MO) in an aqueous solution was used as a probe reaction to evaluate the photocatalytic activities of the obtained samples. Under visible light irradiation, approximately 80 % of MO (with initial concentration of 20 mg/m³) was degraded in 3 h on the photocatalyst prepared by impregnating CK in acidic Ti sol, which was obtained using approximately 60 % H₂SO₄ solution followed by calcination at 400 °C. The acidity of the photocatalyst is the main factor that affects the catalytic activity of the photocatalytic degradation of MO.     

Synthesis of Co3O4/WO3 Nanoheterojunction Photocatalyst for the Decomposition of Organic Pollutants Under Visible Light Irradiation

A highly efficient and visible light (λ ≥ 420 nm) responsive nanocomposite photocatalyst Co₃O₄/WO₃ was developed by dispersing p-type semiconductor Co₃O₄ on the surface of n-type semiconductor WO₃. The heterojunction Co₃O₄/WO₃ demonstrated higher photocatalytic activity than WO₃, Co₃O₄ and TiO₂ nanoparticles for the complete decomposition of 2-propanol in gas phase and phenol in aqueous phase and evolution of CO₂ under visible light irradiation. The highest photocatalytic efficiency of the composite Co₃O₄/WO₃ was observed when calcined at 300 °C for 2 h with 4.91 mol% Co₃O₄/WO₃. The enhanced photocatalytic efficiency of the heterojunction was discussed based on the unique relative energy band positions and profound absorption of visible light by the semiconductors.     

Preparation of high‐activity AgBr/Ag3PO4 photocatalyst based on hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide and mechanism of photocatalytic enhancement

A high‐activity AgBr/Ag₃PO₄ heterojunction photocatalyst was synthesized based on hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide. Its microspheres were characterized using X‐ray diffractometry, transmission electron microscopy and ultraviolet–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The new photocatalyst with high photocatalytic activity exceptionally outperforms pure Ag₃PO₄ and AgBr in methyl orange degradation. The enhancement of photocatalytic activity is attributed to the efficient separation of electron–hole pairs. In this photocatalytic reaction, h⁺ and ^?O^2? are the main reactive species that induce visible‐light‐driven degradation.     

Synthesis,crystal structures,luminescence, and photocatalytic properties of two 1D Co(II) coordination polymers constructed with semirigid bis(benzimidazole) and dicarboxylate ligands

Two ternary cobalt(II) coordination polymers (CPs), namely [Co(L1)(npht)] _n (1) and {[Co₂(L2)₂(npht)₂(H₂O)]·H₂O} _n (2) (L1 = 4,4′-bis(benzimidazol-1-ylmethyl)biphenyl, L2 = 1,2-bis(5,6-dimethylbenzimidazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene, and H₂npht = 4-nitrophthalic acid) have been synthesized and structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography. Both CPs feature similar 1D infinite chains containing two distinct loops. CP 1 further forms a 3D supramolecular network via weak C–H···O hydrogen bond interactions. CP 2 shows a 1D two-layer chain structure, assembled through π–π stacking interactions. The electrochemical, luminescence, and photocatalytic activities of the two CPs for the removal of methylene blue under visible or UV light were investigated. Possible photocatalytic mechanisms are discussed.     

Efficient photocatalytic degradation of phenol over Co3O4/BiVO4 composite under visible light irradiation

Co3O4/BiVO4 composite photocatalyst with a p-n heterojunction semiconductor structure has been synthesized by the impregnation method. The physical and photophysical properties of the composite photocatalyst have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transimission electron microscopy (TEM), BET surface area, and UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectra. Co is present as p-type Co3O4 and disperses on the surface of n-type BiVO4 to constitute a heterojunction composite. The photocatalyst exhibits enhanced photocatalytic activity for phenol degradation under visible light irradiation. The highest efficiency is observed when calcined at 300 degrees C with 0.8 wt % cobalt content. On the basis of the calculated energy band positions and PL spectra, the mechanism of enhanced photocatalytic activity has been discussed.     

花球状Bi2S3/BiOI复合光催化剂在空气中净化甲醛的应用

以硫代乙酰胺为硫源,采用水热阴离子转移法,制备由纳米片组装的花球状Bi₂S₃/BiOI复合光催化剂。以气相甲醛作为模型污染物,在检测舱中考察了复合催化剂对甲醛的净化作用。结果表明,具有异质结结构的Bi₂S₃/BiOI复合光催化剂具有较高的光催化活性,能在可见光下净化空气中的甲醛,并且具有良好的循环使用稳定性。     

花球状Bi2S3/BiOI复合光催化剂去除空气中甲醛的应用

以硫代乙酰胺为硫源,采用水热阴离子转移法,制备由纳米片组装的花球状Bi₂S₃/BiOI复合光催化剂。以气相甲醛作为模型污染物,在检测舱中考察了复合催化剂对甲醛的去除作用。结果表明,具有异质结结构的Bi₂S₃/BiOI复合光催化剂具有较高的光催化活性,能在可见光下去除空气中的甲醛,并且具有良好的循环使用稳定性。     

Bi2MoO6/BiVO4异质结的水热合成和可见光催化活性

采用一步水热法制备Bi₂MoO₆/BiVO₄复合光催化剂. 利用X 射线衍射(XRD)、场发射扫描电子显微镜(FESEM)、高分辨透射电子显微镜(HRTEM)等手段对其晶体结构和微观结构进行了表征. 结果表明, Bi₂MoO₆纳米粒子沉积在BiVO₄纳米片表面从而形成异质结结构. 紫外-可见漫反射光谱(UV-Vis DRS)表明所制备的Bi₂MoO₆/BiVO₄异质结较纯相Bi₂MoO₆和BiVO₄对可见光吸收更强. 由于形成异质结结构及其光吸收性能使Bi₂MoO₆/BiVO₄ 光催化活性有较大提高. 可见光下(λ>420 nm)光催化降解罗丹明B (RhB)实验结果表明,Bi₂MoO₆/BiVO₄光催化活性较纯相Bi₂MoO₆和BiVO₄高. Bi₂MoO₆/BiVO₄样品光催化性能提高的原因是Bi₂MoO₆和BiVO₄形成异质结, 从而有效抑制光生电子-空穴对的复合, 增大了可见光吸收范围及比表面积.     

Porphyrin covalent organic framework for photocatalytic synthesis of tetrahydroquinolines

A metal-free porphyrin covalent organic framework was employed as the heterogeneous photocatalyst for the synthesis of tetrahydroquinolines under aerobic conditions. With visible light irradiation of a catalytic amount of H₂P-Bph-COF at room temperature, various substituted N,N-dimethylanilines and N-aryl maleimides were transformed to tetrahydroquinoline derivatives in moderate to good yields. This was the first example of the synthesis of tetrahydroquinolines via the photocatalytic aerobic annulation reaction employing the metal-free COF as the heterogeneous photocatalyst.     

Preparation of a visible light-driven Bi2O3–TiO2 composite photocatalyst by an ethylene glycol-assisted sol–gel method,and its photocatalytic properties

A visible light-driven Bi₂O₃–TiO₂ composite photocatalyst was prepared by an ethylene glycol-assisted sol–gel method in which ethylene glycol acted as a polycondensation agent to capture metal ions by reacting with bismuth and titanium sources via a complex polycondensation pathway. The photocatalyst was characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, acquisition of N₂ adsorption–desorption isotherms, transmission electron microscopy, and UV–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The results revealed that the Bi₂O₃–TiO₂ composite was of smaller particle size, greater specific surface area, and had stronger absorbance in the visible light region than pure TiO₂. The photocatalytic activity of the as-prepared catalyst was evaluated by degradation of rhodamine B under visible light irradiation (λ > 400 nm); the as-prepared Bi₂O₃–TiO₂ composite was substantially more active than pure TiO₂. This was ascribed to the high surface area and the heterojunction structure.     

Novel organic/inorganic PDI-Urea/BiOBr S-scheme heterojunction for improved photocatalytic antibiotic degradation and H2O2 production

The matched energy band structure and efficient carrier separation efficiency are the keys to heterogeneous photocatalytic reactions. A novel organic/inorganic step scheme (S-scheme) heterojunction PDI-Urea/BiOBr composite photocatalyst was constructed by simple solvothermal reaction combined with in-situ growth strategy. The composite photocatalyst not only has high chemical stability, but also can generate and accumulate a large number of active species (h⁺, ^?O₂^?, ^?OH, H₂O₂). PDI-Urea/BiOBr showed higher photocatalytic activity for the degradation of antibiotic such as ofloxacin (OFLO), tetracycline (TC) and the production of H₂O₂ in the spectral range of 400–800 nm. The apparent rate constant of 15% PDI-Urea/BiOBr for photocatalytic degradation of TC (or OFLO) was 2.7 (or 2.5) times that of pure BiOBr and 1.7 (or 1.8) times that of pure PDI-Urea. The H₂O₂ evolution rate of 15% PDI-Urea/BiOBr was 2.5 times that of PDI-Urea and 1.5 times that of BiOBr, respectively. This work has formed a mature S-scheme heterojunction design thought and method, which offers new visions for the development of heterogeneous photocatalysts.     

Photocatalytic oxidation of acetaldehyde by hybrid Pt/WO3–MOR photocatalysts under visible or sunlight irradiation

A hybrid photocatalyst was prepared from visible light-responsive Pt/WO₃ and siliceous mordenite (MOR) zeolite by simple impregnation with an aqueous solution of (NH₄)₁₀W₁₂O₄₁·5H₂O. Unmodified Pt/WO₃ had low photocatalytic activity in gas phase oxidation of acetaldehyde because of its low surface area (3–5 m²/g). In contrast, the Pt/WO₃–MOR had higher photocatalytic activity under focused sunlight and Xe lamp irradiation. Pt/WO₃–MOR with low WO₃ content (<20 wt%) adsorbed sufficient acetaldehyde, but absorption of light in the visible region was low. The optimum zeolite content enhancing the photocatalytic activity of Pt/WO₃ was estimated to be 30–50 % (w/w). Adsorption of the gaseous reactants and the efficiency of absorption of incident light are both important aspects of high photocatalytic activity.     

CdBiO2Br nanosheets in situ strong coupling to carbonized polymer dots and improved photocatalytic activity for organic pollutants degradation

Carbonized polymer dots (CPDs) modified layer-structured CdBiO₂Br (CPDs/CdBiO₂Br) Z-scheme heterojunction hybrid material has been synthesized via simple solvothermal method. The hybrid material with Z-scheme heterojunction can effectively maintain the original highly oxidizing holes of CdBiO₂Br and the highly reducing electrons of CPDs. In addition, the construction of heterostructure is beneficial to the migration and separation of photogenerated carriers. Under visible light irradiation, 6 wt% CPDs/CdBiO₂Br showed the best catalytic activity for degradation of organic pollutants. Free radical capture experiments and ESR analysis confirmed that the main active species are ^?O₂^? and h⁺. The decomposition process of organic pollutants was analyzed by LC-MS. Finally, the probable visible light mechanism performance of CPDs/CdBiO₂Br as direct Z-scheme heterojunction photocatalytic materials was proposed.