Synthesis of TiO2@g-C3N4 core-shell nanorod arrays with Z-scheme enhanced photocatalytic activity under visible light

Novel rutile TiO2@g-C3N4 core-shell photocatalysts were synthesized by a facile saturated aqueous solution method. The composites were further characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution transmission microscopy (HRTEM), UV-visible light diffusion reflectance spectrometry (DRS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and so on. The results indicated that an ultrathin layer of g-C3N4 was in situ fabricated over the surface of rutile TiO2 nanorod. The rutile TiO2@ g-C3N4 core-shell structures showed much higher photo-current and photocatalytic activity for Rhodamine B (RhB) degradation under visible irradiation. The enhanced performance was attributed to the high separation efficiency of photo induced carriers via a Z-scheme form. (C) 2017 Published by Elsevier Inc.