The pivotal roles of spatially separated charge localization centers on the molecules activation and photocatalysis mechanism

Even though g-C3N4-based heterostructure have been constructed widely for remarkable photocatalytic performance, the function of active sites on different sides of heterostructure remains to be elucidated. Here, we develop (BiO)(2)CO3 nanospheres decorated g-C3N4 hybrid heterostructure (CN-BOC), aiming to elaborate the role of different active sites between CN and BOC and unravel the promotion mechanism. It is revealed that the spatially separated charge localization centers resulting from diverse active sites have been firstly identified in the heterostructure. The promoted adsorption/activation of NO and O-2 molecule in different sites and accelerated spatial charge carriers separation have been confirmed. Correspondingly, the NO molecules prefer to adsorb on the electron-deficient areas and donate electrons to achieve a higher valance state. Inversely, the O-2 molecule tend to adsorb on the electron-efficient areas to receive more electrons for production of center dot O-2(-) radicals, which contributes to the efficient photocatalytic conversion of NO into nitrites/nitrates. The present work could broaden insights into the function of spatially separated active sites for the adsorption/activation of reactants on hybrid heterostructure and provide a novel strategy to advance the development of photocatalytic technology.