Nanoscale p-n junction integration via the synergetic hybridization of facet-controlled Cu2O and defect-modulated g-C3N4-x atomic layers for enhanced photocatalytic water splitting

作者：Ng, Boon-Junn; Tang, Jie-Yinn; Ow, Liang Yin; Kong, Xin Ying; Ng, Yun Hau; Putri, Lutfi Kurnianditia; Chai, Siang-Piao^*

来源：Materials Today Energy, 2022, 29: 101102.

DOI：10.1016/j.mtener.2022.101102

• Graphitic carbon nitride
• Nitrogen vacancy
• Cuprous oxide
• Photocatalysis
• Hydrogen evolution

Tailoring multidimensional heterostructure interface in nanoscale with robust electronic configuration and regulated charge steering is of great significance for photocatalysis. In this contribution, an effective p-n heterojunction nanocomposites were formulated by hybridizing N-deficient g-C3N4 atomic layers (g-C3N4-x) and rhombic dodecahedral Cu2O with controlled facets. The concomitant outcomes from the p-n junction induce a built-in electric field that propel the atomic-level directional charge transfer and accommodate electrons and holes at separated locations of n-type g-C3N4-x and p-type Cu2O, respectively. This substantially enhances the electron-hole pairs separation and prolongs the lifetime of charge carriers. As a result, the best performing 3 wt% Cu2O/g-C3N4-x sample demonstrated an exceptional photocatalytic H-2 evolution rate of 420.3 mu mol/g/h under visible light irradiation, which is 1.8-fold augmentation in contrast to the individual counterpart (g-C3N4-x). In brief, this work presents a powerful strategy to modulate the interaction of heterointerface in achieving highly efficient photocatalytic application.

• 单位
  南阳理工学院