Dual-channel charge transfer over g-C3N4/g-C3N4/bismuth-based halide perovskite composite for improving photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride

Photocatalytic technology represents a cutting-edge approach for addressing water pollution. The performance of photocatalysts can be improved by constructing of heterojunctions that facilitate the charges transfer between the two components. Herein, we produced a three-component g-C3N4/g-C3N4 isotype heterojunction/bismuthbased halide perovskites (g-C3N4-ISO/BHP) composite using a solvothermal method to grow bismuth-based halide perovskite (BHP) onto the surface of g-C3N4/g-C3N4 isotype heterojunction (g-C3N4-ISO) layers. Several methods were used to investigate crystalline structure, morphology, chemical composition/states, optical characteristics, and charge-carrier dynamics of the three-component composite. The g-C3N4-ISO/BHP composite exhibited superior photocatalytic activity under white LED light with a degradation percentage of 73.2%, which is higher than the mixed-phase g-C3N4-ISO (61.4%) and the bare BHP (62.5%). The control of component content improved the transmission of charges between the composite components. The S-scheme charge transfer mechanism was verified to function on the g-C3N4-ISO/BHP composite as a result of its high compatibility and adequate band structure, resulting in robust redox ability, effective charge carrier separation and extended lifetime. Our study presents a practical approach for constructing three-component composites for efficient photocatalytic water treatment.

Automated summary

Photocatalytic technology is a cutting-edge approach for water pollution treatment, and constructing heterojunctions can enhance the performance of photocatalysts. In this study, a three-component g-C3N4/g-C3N4 isotype heterojunction/bismuth-based halide perovskite (g-C3N4-ISO/BHP) composite was fabricated by growing bismuth-based halide perovskite (BHP) onto the surface of g-C3N4/g-C3N4 isotype heterojunction (g-C3N4-ISO) layers using a solvothermal method. The crystalline structure, morphology, chemical composition/states, optical characteristics, and charge-carrier dynamics of the composite were investigated. The g-C3N4-ISO/BHP composite exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity under white LED light, with a degradation percentage of 73.2%, surpassing the mixed-phase g-C3N4-ISO (61.4%) and bare BHP (62.5%). The control of component content improved charge transfer and the S-scheme charge transfer mechanism was verified to function on the g-C3N4-ISO/BHP composite, leading to robust redox ability, effective charge carrier separation, and extended lifetime. This study presents a practical approach for constructing efficient three-component composites for photocatalytic water treatment.