Biomass carbon dots-assisted Ni2P/NiCo-LDH composites with Co-P electron-bridge for enhanced photocatalytic performance

Carbon materials can act as electron transfer media to effectively enhance photocatalytic performance. In this study, carbon dots (CDs) were prepared using green tea to modify Ni2P/NiCo-LDH heterostructures. Benefitting from the Co-P bond formed between Ni2P and NiCo-LDH and biomass CDs, charge transfer was improved via dual channel. Ni2P and CDs acted as active sites for improving the photocatalytic performance. Owing to the synergistic process, the photoresponse capability of CDs/Ni2P/NiCo-LDH was significantly increased. In addition, the possible active species in the photocatalytic process are discussed. This study provides a design for ternary photocatalysts with carbon materials and phosphides.

Automated summary

Carbon dots (CDs) prepared from green tea were used to modify Ni2P/NiCo-LDH heterostructures. The Co-P bond formed between Ni2P and NiCo-LDH and the presence of biomass CDs improved charge transfer via dual channel. Ni2P and CDs acted as active sites to enhance photocatalytic performance. The synergy between CDs and Ni2P/NiCo-LDH significantly increased the photoresponse capability. Possible active species in the photocatalytic process were discussed. This study provides a design strategy for ternary photocatalysts incorporating carbon materials and phosphides.