Z-scheme g-C3N4/Bi/Bi3.64Mo0.36O6.55 photocatalyst with dual charge transfer channels: Photodegradation of pollutants and mechanism insights

In semiconductor photocatalytic reactions, the photocatalytic activity is usually limited by the insufficient efficiency of photogenerated carrier migration and separation. Therefore, constructing an efficient charge migration pathway plays a crucial role in enhancing the photocatalytic efficiency. In this work, we reported a rationally conceived Z-scheme g-C3N4/Bi/Bi3.64Mo0.36O6.55 photocatalyst with dual charge transfer channels. Both the electron migration capability and the light absorption of the composites were improved owing to the semi-metallicity of Bi and localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect. The enhanced photocatalytic activation of lomefloxacin (LOM) was confirmed by photodegradation experiments. Under visible light irradiation, g-C3N4/Bi/Bi3.64Mo0.36O6.55 (0.5 g/L) can degrade 93.1% of LOM within 20 min. Combining experiments and characterizations, it is found that the Z-scheme heterojunction and LSPR effect of g-C3N4/Bi/Bi3.64Mo0.36O6.55 construct the dual charge transfer channels, which not only preserved the strong redox ability, but also enhanced the separation and transport capability of electrons and holes. It is expected that the research in this paper could contribute feasible and considerable strategies for the conceive of highly active photocatalyst.

Automated summary

In this study, a rationally conceived composite photocatalyst was reported, which constructed dual charge transfer channels through Z-scheme heterojunction and localized surface plasmon resonance effect, thereby enhancing the photocatalytic activity.