Z-scheme WOx/Cu-g-C3N4 heterojunction nanoarchitectonics with promoted charge separation and transfer towards efficient full solar spectrum photocatalysis

A heterostructure photocatalyst constructed based on the idea of nanoarchitectonics using the combination of g-C3N4, metal and an additional semiconducting nanocomposite is investigated in this paper. Z-scheme tungsten oxide incorporated copper modified graphitic carbon nitride (WOx/Cu-g-C3N4) heterostructures are fabricated via immobilization of WOx on Cu nanoparticles modified superior thin g-C3N4 nanosheets. Mechano-chemical pre-reaction and a two-step high-temperature thermal polymerization process are the keys in attaining homogeneous distribution of Cu nanoparticles in g-C3N4 nanosheets. The horizontal growth of homogeneously distributed WOx nanobelts on Cu modified g-C3N4 (Cu-g-C3N4) base via solvothermal synthesis is achieved. The photocatalytic performances of the heterostructures are evaluated through water splitting and CO2 photoreduction measurements in full solar spectrum irradiation condition.

本文基于纳米构筑学（nanoarchitectonics）理念，构建了由石墨相氮化碳（g-C3N4）、金属与额外半导体纳米复合物复合而成的异质结光催化剂，并对其展开研究。本研究通过将氧化钨（WOx）固定于铜纳米颗粒改性的超薄石墨相氮化碳纳米片上，制备出Z型氧化钨/铜改性石墨相氮化碳（WOx/Cu-g-C3N4）异质结构。采用机械化学预反应与两步高温热聚合法，实现了铜纳米颗粒在石墨相氮化碳纳米片中的均匀分散。通过溶剂热合成法，在铜改性石墨相氮化碳（Cu-g-C3N4）基底上成功实现了均匀分布的氧化钨纳米带的横向生长。在全太阳光谱辐照条件下，通过水分解与二氧化碳光还原测试，对该异质结构的光催化性能进行了评价。