The Z-scheme of 2D structured BCN and Ti MOF heterojunctions for high-efficiency photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

• Published in: New journal of chemistry Vol. 48; no. 29; pp. 1326 - 13213
• Main Authors: Liu, Cong, Zhang, Liuxue, Xu, Xuetong, Qiao, Jiaolong, Jia, Xu, Wang, Fuying, Wang, Xiulian
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge Royal Society of Chemistry 22.07.2024
• Subjects: Atomic structure; Carbon nitride; Catalytic activity; Composite materials; Doping; Electromagnetic absorption; Electron transfer; Graphite; Heterojunctions; Heterostructures; Hydrogen evolution; Hydrogen production; Photocatalysis
• ISSN: 1144-0546; 1369-9261
• DOI: 10.1039/d4nj02339k

Element doping and construction of heterojunction composites are the most common ways to enhance g-C 3 N 4 , which are very attractive in achieving high photocatalytic activity. In this study, 2D nanosheet structured BCN was obtained by doping B atoms with graphite carbon nitride. Subsequently, Ti MOFs were loaded on BCN to obtain a Z-scheme heterojunction composite TBCN through calcination. Under simulated sunlight, the photocatalytic hydrogen production rate of the TBCN heterostructure was 1242 μmol h −1 g −1 , which was 2.2 times higher than that of BCN and 9.34 times higher than that of bulk graphite carbon nitride (GCN). Experimental results showed that the construction of a Z-scheme heterojunction composite (TBCN) could effectively adjust the material band gap position, expand the light absorption range, enhance electron transfer and inhibit electron-hole recombination, which are crucial for efficient photocatalysis. This study not only provides a strategy for constructing heterojunction composites in the field of g-C 3 N 4 photocatalytic hydrogen evolution, but also deeply analyzes the electron migration direction and the reasons for enhancing carrier separation in the Z-type heterojunction scheme, thus providing potential guidance for future research. Element doping and construction of heterojunction composites are the most common ways to enhance g-C 3 N 4 , which are very attractive in achieving high photocatalytic activity.