S-Scheme heterojunction of Cs₂SnBr₆/C₃N₄ with interfacial electron exchange toward efficient photocatalytic NO...

Photocatalytic technology is of great significance in environmental purification due to its eco-friendly and cost-effective operations. However, low charge-transfer efficiency restricts the photocatalytic activity of the catalyst. Herein, we report Cs₂SnBr₆/C₃N₄ composite catalysts that exhibit a robust interfacial electron exchange thereby enhancing photocatalytic nitric oxide (NO) oxidation. A comprehensive study has demonstrated the S-scheme electron transfer mechanism. Benefiting from the interfacial internal electric field, the C-Br bond serves as a direct electron transfer channel, resulting in enhanced charge separation. Furthermore, the S-scheme heterojunction effectively traps high redox potential electrons and holes, leading to the production of abundant reactive oxygen radicals that enhance photocatalytic NO abatement. The NO removal rate of the Cs₂SnBr₆/C₃N₄ heterogeneous system can reach 86.8 %, which is approximately 3-fold and 18-fold that of pristine C₃N₄ and Cs₂SnBr₆, respectively. The comprehensive understanding of the electron transfer between heterojunction atomic interfaces will provide a novel perspective on efficient environmental photocatalysis.