InP quantum dots on g-C3N4 nanosheets to promote molecular oxygen activation under visible light

Abstract

Largely limited by the high dissociation energy of the OO bond, the photocatalytic molecular oxygen activation is highly challenged, which restrains the application of photocatalytic oxidation technology for atmospheric pollutants removal. Herein, we design and fabricate the InP QDs/g-C3N4 compounds. The introduction of InP QDs promotes the charge transfer within the interface resulting in the effective separation of photo-generated carriers. Furthermore, InP QDs greatly facilitates the activation of molecular oxygen and promote the formation of O2− under visible-light illumination. These conclusions are identified by experimental and calculation results. Hence, NO can be combined with the O2− to form OONO intermediate to direct conversion into NO3−. As a result, the NO removal ratio of g-C3N4 has a onefold increase after InP QDs loaded and the generation of NO2 is effectively inhibited. This work may provide a strategy to design highly efficient materials for molecular oxygen activation.