Synthesis of vis/NIR-driven hybrid photocatalysts by electrostatic assembly of NaYF4:Yb, Tm nanocrystals on g-C3N4 nanosheets

Graphitic (g-) C3N4 is a promising visible light-driven photocatatalyst but it has a narrow absorption in the solar spectrum. To broaden its light utilization, here we present a strategy to integrate upconversion nanocrystals into g-C3N4 nanosheets by electrostatic assembly. This hybrid photocatalyst can be activated under both visible and near-infrared (NIR) lights, showing improved photocatalytic activity in the full solar spectrum. Phase, morphology and activity of this composite photocatalyst are characterized and its working mechanism is also proposed. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.