Reduced graphene oxide-modified Z-scheme g-C3N4/CdS photocatalyst with a staggered structure for the enhanced photoreduction of CO2

A Z-scheme g-C3N4/CdS@rGO photocatalyst with a staggered structure to enhance the photoreduction of CO2 under UV-Vis light irradiation has been investigated. TEM images show that g-C3N4/CdS@rGO has a unique lamellar staggered structure. Photoelectrochemical characterization explains that the lamellar staggered structure effectively improves the separation and transport capabilities of electrons. ESR and energy band position analysis prove that the electron transfer path of g-C3N4/CdS conforms to the Z-scheme mechanism. The pi-pi conjugation effect of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and g-C3N4 effectively promotes the excitation of electrons on g-C3N4, and rGO can reduce the corrosion of CdS and improve its stability. Lastly, the lamellar staggered structure that improves the photocatalytic CO2 reduction ability is discussed in detail, and the possible mechanism of the CO2 reduction reaction has been explored by in situ FT-IR.

Automated summary

A Z-scheme g-C3N4/CdS@rGO photocatalyst with a staggered structure has been investigated to enhance CO2 photoreduction under UV-Vis light irradiation. The lamellar staggered structure effectively improves electron separation and transport capabilities according to photoelectrochemical characterization. The pi-pi conjugation effect of rGO and g-C3N4 promotes electron excitation, while in situ FT-IR explores the possible mechanism of the CO2 reduction reaction.