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Lookup NU author(s): Professor Tomas Edvinsson
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).
© 2024 The Author(s)Constructing a Z-scheme heterojunction with enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution for graphitic carbon nitride-based (g-C3N4) composites is challenging because integrating g-C3N4 with other semiconductors, without specific band structure design, typically results in type I or type II heterojunctions. These heterojunctions have lower redox ability and limited enhancement in photocatalysis. Herein, we select highly crystalline carbon nitride (HCCN) as a proof-of-concept substrate. For the first time, we develop a AgBr nanosphere/HCCN composite photocatalyst that features an all-solid-state direct Z-scheme heterojunction for visible-light photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. The electron transfer mechanism is initially studied from the band structures and Fermi levels of HCCN and AgBr. It is subsequently confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and electron microscopy. The close heterojunction contact and the built-in electron field of the Z-scheme heterojunction promote the migration and separation of photogenerated electrons and holes in the composite photocatalyst. Due to the redistribution of charge carriers, the photocatalyst shows superior redox capability and a markedly enhanced hydrogen evolution performance compared to its individual components. Combining all the advantages, AgBr nanosphere/HCCN reached an apparent quantum efficiency (AQE) of 6 % under the illumination of 410 nm, which is 4 times higher than that of the single HCCN component.
Author(s): Sun W, Ahmed T, Elbouazzaoui K, Edvinsson T, Zheng Y, Zhu J
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Applied Surface Science
Year: 2024
Volume: 651
Print publication date: 01/04/2024
Online publication date: 02/01/2024
Acceptance date: 01/01/2024
Date deposited: 20/02/2024
ISSN (print): 0169-4332
ISSN (electronic): 1873-5584
Publisher: Elsevier B.V.
URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsusc.2024.159292
DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2024.159292
Data Access Statement: Data will be made available on request.
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