Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity of π-Conjugated Pyridine Rings-Modified C₃N₄/Bi@BiOCl Z-Scheme Heterogeneous...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Photocatalysis
• Environmental Chemistry

Background:

• Developing efficient photocatalysts is crucial for environmental remediation.
• Z-scheme heterojunctions offer enhanced charge separation for improved photocatalytic activity.
• Visible light-driven photocatalysis is desirable for sustainable applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize Z-Scheme Bi@BiOCl/C3N4-DPY heterojunction materials.
• To investigate the enhanced photocatalytic properties under visible light irradiation.
• To elucidate the charge transfer mechanism responsible for improved performance.

Main Methods:

• Ultrasonic-assisted coprecipitation method for material synthesis.
• Characterization of heterojunction structure and properties.
• Photocatalytic degradation experiments using methyl orange as a model pollutant.

Main Results:

• The Bi@BiOCl/C3N4-DPY heterojunction demonstrated remarkable photocatalytic activity, achieving 90.6% methyl orange degradation in 180 minutes.
• The Z-scheme charge transfer mechanism facilitated efficient charge carrier separation and enhanced redox potential.
• Modification of C3N4 with a pyridine ring (C3N4-DPY) redshifted light absorption and promoted reactive oxygen species formation.
• Formation of a well-aligned heterojunction between C3N4-DPY and BiOCl and the band gap reduction effect of Bi further improved charge transfer and separation.

Conclusions:

• The synthesized Z-Scheme Bi@BiOCl/C3N4-DPY heterojunction exhibits superior visible light photocatalytic performance.
• The enhanced efficiency is attributed to the synergistic effects of the Z-scheme mechanism, modified C3N4, and metallic Bi.
• This Z-structured photocatalyst holds significant promise for diverse photocatalysis applications, particularly in environmental remediation.