In-situ-formed red phosphorus nanosheet on bulk red phosphorus for boosting charge separation in photocatalysis：The role of multiple interfacial effects

Abstract

Red phosphorus (RP) has recently attracted much attention in photocatalysis for its low cost, environmental benign and optical properties. However, its photocatalytic activity is still restricted since the low-charge carrier mobility and the high water-solubility. Herein, RP-S-12 h (Combination of RP nanosheet (NS) and bulk RP structure) was prepared by hydrothermal method. Results showed that the multiple reactive active sites, the energy level matching, the emergence of intermediate state and the internal unequal potential for RP-S-12 h ensured higher charge density and efficient carrier transport, improving the photocatalytic activity and stability, emphasizing the role of multiple interfacial effects. The optimum hydrogen evolution rate was 0.33 mmol g−1 h−1, and the quantum efficiency at 420 nm is 0.45%. In addition, RP-S-12 h could completely degrade 50 ppm MO in 12 min. This study provides a novel insight into the interface design of metal-free photocatalyst for environmental remediation.