Self-assembly core-shell BixY1-xVO4@g-C3N4 as an S-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst for pure water splitting

The self-assembly core-shell BixY1-xVO4@g-C3N4 (BYVO@PCN) photocatalyst was synthesized by in-situ polycondensation of melamine on the surface of BixY1-xVO4. The formation mechanism of the core-shell structure was mainly attributed to the excessive unpaired O atoms existed on the surface of BYVO, which could absorb the intermediate products of polycondensation. In addition, the core-shell BYVO@PCN can achieve photocatalytic pure water splitting into H2 and O2 which is about 5 times higher than the BixY1-xVO4. Compared with PCN, BYVO@PCN tackles the problem that little O2 evolution in pure water splitting by PCN. Furthermore, BYVO@PCN forms an S-scheme heterojunction instead of a type II heterojunction, which significantly accelerates the separation of charge carriers.& COPY; 2023 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The self-assembled core-shell BixY1-xVO4@g-C3N4 (BYVO@PCN) photocatalyst was synthesized by in-situ polycondensation of melamine on the surface of BixY1-xVO4, forming a core-shell structure. The excessive unpaired O atoms on the surface of BYVO played a key role in the formation of the core-shell structure by absorbing intermediate products of polycondensation. Furthermore, BYVO@PCN achieved photocatalytic pure water splitting into H2 and O2 at a rate about 5 times higher than BixY1-xVO4, and solved the problem of low O2 evolution in pure water splitting by PCN. Additionally, BYVO@PCN formed an S-scheme heterojunction, significantly enhancing the separation of charge carriers.