Two-step calcination synthesis of Z-scheme alpha-Fe2O3/few-layerg-C(3)N(4)composite with enhanced hydrogen production and photodegradation under visible light

Solar photocatalytic technology is of great significance for adjusting energy structure and environmental improvement. Developing an efficient and low-cost photocatalyst is key to realizing the conversion of solar to chemical energy. In this study, alpha-Fe2O3-modified few-layer g-C(3)N(4)hybrids (alpha-Fe2O3/FL g-C3N4) were successfully prepared by a two-step calcination route with a mixture of alpha-Fe(2)O(3)and melamine. The samples were characterized by Thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, High-resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller, UV-Vis absorption spectrum, photoluminescence, and Time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy; furthermore, their photoelectrochemical measurements and their photocatalytic performances were evaluated by visible light-driven hydrogen evolution and degradation of RhB. The results showed that the hydrogen production activity and degradation ability of alpha-Fe2O3/FL g-C(3)N(4)were significantly enhanced compared with those of alpha-Fe2O3/multilayer g-C3N4(alpha-Fe2O3/ML g-C3N4) and FL g-C3N4. The enhanced photoactivities were mainly attributed to the synergistic effect between the increased visible-light absorption, enhanced surface area, and highly efficient electron transfer and separation on the Z-type heterojunction interface. This work not only provides evidence for the formation of FL g-C(3)N(4)nanosheets using a thermal exfoliation method but also provides new insights into the interfacial charge carrier dynamics of Z-scheme alpha-Fe2O3/FL g-C(3)N(4)heterostructures for photocatalytic H(2)generation and pollutant degradation.