Abstract
A heterostructure α-Fe2O3/SiC (FS) was designed by depositing α-Fe2O3 nanotubes on the surface of SiC through a facile hydrothermal method. Microstructure and photocatalytic activity of the hybrid were analyzed via various characterization techniques including XRD, TEM, UV–Vis DRS, PL, XPS, and electrochemical tests. The photocatalytic efficiencies of the α-Fe2O3/SiC heterojunction, individual SiC, and α-Fe2O3 were evaluated by measuring photo-Fenton degradation and photocatalytic hydrogen production. The FS hybrid exhibited a much higher photocatalytic efficiency than the individual ones. The results revealed that the cooperation of α-Fe2O3 and SiC led to synergy effects of the two separate semiconductors. The photocatalytic enhancement can be attributed to the strong light-harvesting capability, close contact interface, improved dispersion and predominant (104) active facet exposure of α-Fe2O3, as well as efficient electron-hole transfer and separation. The photocatalytic mechanism analysis reveals that the charge-carrier transportation of the α-Fe2O3/SiC heterojunction follows a direct Z-scheme preserving the high-energy electrons and holes.
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