Abstract
Carbon nanotube (CNT)-bridged Z-scheme Bi2WO6/C3N4 ternary heterojunctions (BCT) were prepared through a two-step hydrothermal method. Field emission scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope images reveal the flower-like structures of prepared samples. The modification of C3N4 and CNT leads to an improved specific surface area without affecting the morphology of Bi2WO6. Optical characterizations demonstrate an improved visible light absorption for the BCT sample compared to the pure Bi2WO6 and other binary Bi2WO6/C3N4, Bi2WO6/CNT composites. Moreover, the formation of intimate ternary heterointerface (identified by HRTEM images) effectively facilitates the interfacial carrier separation and reduces the recombination of electron–hole pairs, as indicated by a series of electrochemical characterizations. The prepared BCT3 photocatalyst (incorporated with 5% of C3N4 and 1.67% of CNT) posses 0.0304 min−1 of ciprofloxacin photodegradation rate, which is a superior value than related Bi2WO6 and C3N4-based composite photocatalysts. The work functions, electronic structure and charge density difference were calculated by employing density functional theory method. The results suggest that the photogenerated electrons would transfer from Bi2WO6 to C3N4, bridging by the CNT with great conductivity and suitable work function. This charge transfer pathway corresponds to the formation of Z-scheme mechanism in prepared BCT composites, which is also supported by the trapping experiments and electron spin resonance analysis. We anticipate that the present work will be helpful for constructing highly efficient ternary Z-scheme photocatalysts by coupling a small amount of CNT as a non-noble metal cocatalyst. 3D Flower-like Bi2WO6/C3N4/CNT Z-scheme ternary composite was successfully synthesized and utilized as high-performance photocatalyst for degrading a wide range of organic pollutants.
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