Designing Z-scheme 2D-C3N4/Ag3VO4 hybrid structures for improved photocatalysis and photocatalytic mechanism insight

The two-dimensional oxygen-modified g-C3N4 nanosheets-loaded Ag3VO4 (2D-C3N4/Ag3VO4) photocatalysts were synthesized successfully via a facile in situ deposition method. The comprehensive characterizations were employed to characterize the morphologies, structures, chemical states, optical and electronic properties and photocatalytic performances of the samples. The 20% 2D-C3N4/Ag3VO4 showed the best photocatalytic activity on the degradation of RhB and BPA. The enhanced photocatalytic activity is ascribed to the effective electron-hole separation efficiency and the larger specific surface area. The photogenerated electrons and holes can quickly separate by Z-scheme passageway in composite. Through ESR analysis, the photocatalytic mechanism was also researched in detail.