Electronic and thermal transfer actuating memory catalysis for organic removal by a plasmonic photocatalyst

Abstract

To take full advantage of solar energy, a memory-catalyst Ag/BiOCl/Ti3C2 was fabricated using a two-step precipitation method, which performed well in the degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride (TC) in the light and dark. The generation of reactive oxygen species in the light and dark were both certified. Furthermore, quenching experiments and quantum lifetime measurements demonstrated the excited-electron transfer process, and these tests confirmed the electron (e−) transformation resulting from the localized surface plasmon resonance effect (LSPR) in two-electron donors, Ag NPs and Ti3C2.Further, the calculation using COMSOL software suggested the enhancement of the electric field through modification of the two co-catalysts mentioned above. Because of this enhancement, the activated e− might be further reacted in the dark for the memory-catalysis process. On the other hand, based on the result of IR thermal imaging, the thermal transmission for formation using LSPR might be another factor in promoting memory catalysis as an energy resource. This work demonstrates for the first time that LSPR might actuate memorycatalysis using e− transmission and energy input, and the results shed light on the design and comprehension of memory photocatalysis for its practical use in pollutant removal and other fields.