Abstract
It is of great significance to thoroughly explore the interface charge extraction and migration in heterojunction systems, which could guide us to synthesize higher-efficiency photocatalytic materials. A novel noble-metal-free doped Z-scheme NiO@BiOCl heterojunction was found in this work. The corresponding heterostructure, interface electron extraction, and electron migration were investigated via first-principles calculation. 5,5′-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide (DMPO) spin-trapping electron spin resonance (ESR) and time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) tests were implemented to confirm the calculation results, which showed that electrons and holes stayed in the NiO (100) facet and BiOCl (110) facet, respectively. Owing to the large chemical potential of 2.40 V (vs ENHE) for the BiOCl valence-band hole, it possessed super activity to oxidize water into hydroxyl radicals or molecular oxygen. We hope this promising multifunctional photocatalytic material, therefore, NiO@BiOCl can be applied in advanced treatment of organic wastewater and oxygen production from photolysis water.
Highlights
Photocatalysis and photocatalytic technology using light irradiation, especially inexhaustible solar light, are the most environmentally friendly methods for treatment of environmental pollutants, water photolysis, CO2 reduction, and other high-energy barrier chemical reactions
Photocatalytic efficiency, wouldItbe worth noting that the noble-metal-free doped Z-scheme was found in the NiO@BiOCl remarkably improved by this heterostructure
Emerged once the as-obtained samples were irradiated by visible light
Summary
Photocatalysis and photocatalytic technology using light irradiation, especially inexhaustible solar light, are the most environmentally friendly methods for treatment of environmental pollutants, water photolysis, CO2 reduction, and other high-energy barrier chemical reactions. In the photodegradation organic wastewater process, hydroxyl radicals (·OH, Eθ = 2.8 V) have a strong ability to absorb electrons that can break covalent bonds in organic molecules. It is very important, to understand formation routes of hydroxyl radicals. Water molecules and hydroxyls (OH− ) are oxidized by holes to generate hydroxyl radicals via a one-hole pathway (See Figure 1a). 22of of the quantum efficiency and yield of hydroxyl radicals, the desired one-hole pathway can generate yield of hydroxyl radicals, the desired one-hole pathway can generate thefor photodegradation process. The same is true with water photolysis for hydrogen and oxygen production
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