Multifunctional graphene aerogels produced by protonation enhanced Schottky heterojunction interface effect

Abstract

The weak interaction between semiconductors (or co-catalysts) in heterojunction interface engineering is a challenge that affects their performance and application. Here, we improved the interface force between Bi2MoO6 with oxygen vacancy (OBMO) and graphene aerogel by protonation treatment, and greatly enhance the Schottky heterojunction effect formed between the two. The protonated OBMO graphene aerogel (p-OBMO/GA) shows excellent three-function applications (photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline, photocatalytic generation of H2O2, and supercapacitor). In addition, in the photocatalytic production of H2O2, protonation not only enhances the Schottky heterojunction interface effect, but also provides a proton source directly involved in H2O2 generation. Theoretical calculations confirm that protonation is beneficial for the synthesis of H2O2, as protons are easily accessible near the reaction site, eliminating the energy barrier for generating *OOH intermediates and reducing the energy barrier for H2O2 formation. The synergistic effect between O vacancies and graphene co-catalysis generates and transports abundant charge carriers, and protonation treatment enhances the Schottky heterostructure junction effect, thereby enhancing photocatalytic performance and energy storage capacity. The enhancement of heterojunction effects through protonation processing provides a new approach for the construction and upgrading of interface engineering.