Utilization Efficiency Of Visible Light Research Articles

High‐Performance Self‐Powered PEC Photodetectors Based on 2D BiVO4/MXene Schottky Junction

AbstractAs an emerging field, self‐powered photoelectrochemical (PEC) photodetectors have gradually attracted extensive attention thanks to the unique working characteristics of low preparation cost, strong tunability of device performance, and environmental friendliness. However, short absorption wavelength range, low efficiency of visible light utilization, and low responsivity remain challenges for performance improvements. Here, the PEC photodetectors based on the 2D BiVO4/MXene Schottky junction structure, which shows excellent performance with high photocurrent density (≈3.90 mA cm−2 at 0 VSCE under AM 1.5 G, 150 mW cm−2), good responsivity (790.2 mA W−1 under 447 nm), fast response time (tr/tf = 8/14 ms), and long‐term stability (keep 17 000 s and 22 000 cycles) are fabricated. These can be attributed to the built‐in electric field at the BiVO4/MXene Schottky junction interface, which accelerates the transfer of photogenerated electrons and holes, and inhibits interfacial charge recombination. Additionally, the MXene nanosheets improve the absorption of visible‐light‐induced photons on the valence band of BiVO4. These excellent properties show that this work provides a scientific experimental reference for the further development of PEC photodetectors.

Boosting photocatalytic nitrogen fixation performance by adjusting the intramolecular D-A structure and band gap of thiophene-based COFs

Herein, we successfully synthesized two photoactive donor–acceptor (D-A) covalent organic frameworks by incorporating electric-deficient triazine and electric-rich benzotrithiophene moieties into the framework. The introduction of sulfur atom and triazine unit significantly change the intrinsic band gap of JLNU-COFs, this leads to an expanded range of light absorption, encompassing wavelengths from ultraviolet to visible. The narrow band gap of JLNU-311 allows for efficient utilization of visible light while maintaining the thermodynamic activity required for nitrogen reduction within appropriate energy bands. JLNU-311 modified with strong electron absorbing groups has higher activity to NH3 production without co-catalyst or sacrificial agent, and yield can reach 325.6 µmol/g/h. Theoretical calculation further confirm that acceptor structure can effectively regulate the band gap width, promote the adsorption, dissociation and protonation of N2 molecules on JLNU-COFs, and thus reduce the energy barrier of photocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (PNRR). Therefore, this study provides an effective strategy for design of active nitrogen fixing photocatalysts.

Porous-suspended graphite carbon doped TiO2 improves the band structure of photocatalysts to enhance photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline in water

ABSTRACT In order to improve visible light utilization efficiency and enrich low-concentration antibiotics in water systems, a new type of floating TiO2 graphite carbon (FTDGC) photocatalyst was prepared by the one-pot method. These floating materials have good adsorption properties and sufficient mechanical strength, which makes them easy to recycle and reuse in processing. Its photocatalytic performance was evaluated by photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline (TC) in water. The results showed that FTDGC had a high adsorption degradation capacity for TC and the photocatalytic degradation process was accorded with a first-order kinetic equation. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicated the generation of Ti–C–Ti valence bonds and Ti–C–O bonds on the TiO2 surface with the modification of graphite carbon materials. Optimization of preparation conditions revealed that as the amount of activator phosphoric acid increased and the porosity of the solid surface increased, the external exposure of TiO2 made the effect of the composite catalyst more pronounced. The recycling experiment showed that FTDGC still had good degradation ability for TC after five times reuse. The catalysts developed in this research can provide a new idea and reference for the pretreatment of refractory organic wastewater, as well as for the reuse of medium water.

Nanoarchitectonics of MIL-101(Fe)/g-C3N4 S-Scheme heterojunction for photocatalytic nitrogen fixation: Mechanisms and performance

Recently, there has been a growing interest in the fundamental understanding of the mechanism of how MIL-101(Fe)/g-C3N4 heterojunctions facilitate the occurrence of photocatalytic nitrogen fixation reactions, especially the electron transfer mechanism has attained increasing attention in photocatalysis. Herein, we implemented a "triple win scenario" strategy to fabricate the S-scheme MIL-101(Fe)/g-C3N4 heterojunction through a straightforward solvothermal process. The MC-6 heterojunction minimizes the recombination of photogenerated carriers, enhances light utilization efficiency, and activates the N≡N bond, thus boosting photocatalytic nitrogen fixation efficiency. The transition metal iron activates the N≡N bond, while S-scheme heterojunctions reduce the photogenerated carrier recombination. In addition, the decrease in band gap (Eg) leads to an increase in visible light utilization efficiency. ISIXPS proved the mechanism of interelectron transfer of MIL-101(Fe)/g-C3N4 heterojunction under illumination. Upon the creation of the heterojunction, electrons migrate from g-C3N4 to MIL-101(Fe), establishing an inherent electric field due to the disparate Fermi levels between the two materials. The electrons (e-) on the g-C3N4 CB with a more negative reduction potential and the holes (h+) on the MIL-101(Fe) VB are retained, which increased the redox capacity to a great extent required for the reduction of N2 to NH3. The ammonia production efficiency of MC-6 photocatalyst was 160 µmol gcat-1 h-1, representing an 8-fold and 2.8-fold improvement over pristine g-C3N4 (20 µmol gcat-1 h-1) and MIL-101(Fe) (57 µmol gcat-1 h-1), respectively.

Integral morphology and structure design of poly (heptazine imide) for efficient utilization of visible light generated charge carriers in proton reduction reactions

AbstractSufficient utilization of visible‐light generated charge carriers in proton reduction reactions is of great significance for the development of effective solar‐fuel technologies. Achieving simultaneous bulk rapid transfer and surface efficient extraction of charge carriers is still very challenging. Herein, it is found for the first time ammonium persulfate (APS) can significantly influence polymerization processes of C3N4 (CN) from melamine to poly (heptazine imide) (PHI) under the simultaneous oxygen doping and etching effect of SO42−. PHI with high crystallinity, porous structure, and in‐situ oxygen doping was therefore obtained through one‐step APS‐assisted salt strategy. Benefiting from sufficient visible‐light absorption and upshifted conduction band originating from regulated electronic structure and optimized morphology through APS modification, the as‐prepared PHI achieved a H2 evolution activity of 3274.23 μmol h−1 g−1 (λ > 420 nm), which is appropriately 148 and 19 times that of conventional and crystalline CN. This work opens up new opportunities for efficient photocatalysis.

A Cu-based metal-organic frameworks-modified BiOCl heterojunction for enhanced photodegradation of rhodamine B

Environmental pollution caused by organic dyes has attracted increasing attention and prompts people to develop an effective treating method. Photocatalysis isregarded as one of the most promising treatment methodsowing to low cost, flexibility, and high efficiency. Herein, we reported a copper-based metal–organic frameworks (Cu-MOF) modified BiOCl heterojunction Cu-MOF/BiOCl (CMB) to treat organic dye rhodamine B (RhB) under white light illumination. The optimal photodegradation efficiency is shown to be 97 % within 40 min, exhibiting a higher photocatalytic ability than individual BiOCl and Cu-MOF. The enhanced photocatalytic activity is attributed to the formation of CMB heterojunction improving the visible light utilization efficiency and promoting significantly the separation/transfer of carriers. This study highlights the importance of combining narrow band gap nanomaterial with wide counterpart in environmental remediation.

Visible light driven mesoporous ag/Ag2CrO4/g-C3N4 degrades multiple organic pollutants efficiently: Synthesis, mechanism, and degradation pathway

With the development of economy, overuse of antibiotics has been seen as a huge threat to human health. Photocatalytic degradation is an effective method for resolving this problem at present. The method of combining plasmon resonance effect and Z-scheme heterojunction can effectively improve the separation efficiency of photogenerated carrier, which is of great significance for the treatment of antibiotic wastewater. Herein, the Ag/Ag2CrO4/g-C3N4 catalyst was prepared by in-situ loading and photo-reduction method for the degradation of antibiotic wastewater containing tetracycline and quinolone antibiotics. The research results showed that mesoporous graphitized carbon nitride (denoted as g-C3N4) provided good support for Ag and Ag2CrO4 nanoparticles, and mesoporous composite Ag/Ag2CrO4/g-C3N4 (denoted as ACO/CN) provided more reaction sites for organic pollutants degradation. Under visible light irradiation, 5%ACO/CN catalyst showed the best degradation activity and stability for tetracycline (TC), levofloxacin (LVFX), oxytetracycline hydrochloride (OTC) and norfloxacin (NFLX), and their degradation rate constants were respectively 5.66, 8.26, 11.72 and 15.97 times of Ag2CrO4 which indicated it had good potential application value in the treatment of wastewater containing various organic pollutants. This benefits from the plasmon resonance effect of silver effectively improves the utilization efficiency of visible light and the Z-scheme heterojunction between Ag2CrO4 and g-C3N4 promotes the rapid transmission of photogenerated carriers. Based on the experimental results, the possible TC degradation pathway and photocatalytic mechanism were proposed. This study provides a simple way for the successful design and preparation of plasmon resonance effect synergistic Z-scheme heterojunction with promising applications in the treatment of antibiotic wastewater.

Heterocyclic polymerization modified g-C3N4 nanotube with advanced charge separation for solar light driven degradation of ciprofloxacin

A novel heterocyclic polymerized g-C3N4 nanotube was prepared by thermal polycondensation using urea and 2,4,6-triaminopyrimidine (TAP). The TAP-polymerized g-C3N4 composite with 0.5 wt% TAP content showed the highest photocatalytic activity for ciprofloxacin (CIP) degradation under solar irradiation. The optimal composite derived from urea achieved ∼ 10.8 and ∼ 7.5 time of CIP degradation activity when compared with TAP-polymerized g-C3N4 derived from melamine and thiourea. The copolymerization of TAP molecules reduces the π electron defects in the g-C3N4 conjugated system thus accelerates the migration of photogenerated carriers. The doping of TAP in g-C3N4 reduces its band gap, which enhances the light absorption capacity and improves the utilization efficiency of visible light. The fluffy porous nanotube structure of the material endows it with unique surface morphology and excellent photoelectric characteristic. Electron spin resonance (ESR) and probe technology were used for qualitative or quantitative detection of free radicals in this work. Superoxide radicals (O2·-) played the major roles in the photodegradation of CIP. Recycling experiments displayed the high stability and activity of the modified materials, which is potentially applicable in practical engineering. Moreover, the photodegradation pathways and mechanisms of CIP were proposed and its toxicity evolution was assessed in this study. This work revealed the specific application of heterocyclic polymerization in modifying g-C3N4 material and provided unique insights for its application in photocatalytic degradation of antibiotic.

Research progress on ZnO/MoS2/rGO ternary photocatalysts

Energy shortages and environmental pollution have become one of the important global issues, and semiconductor photocatalytic technology is considered one of the most effective means to solve these problems. As a new and efficient green material, ZnO has attracted wide attention. ZnO is widely used in the field of photocatalysis due to its non-toxicity, low cost, environmental friendliness, adjustable band gap, high electron density, and chemical stability. However, the recombination of photogenerated charge carriers in ZnO hinders its practical application and lowers the utilization efficiency of visible light. On the other hand, molybdenum disulfide/reduced graphene oxide (MoS2/rGO), as a binary non-precious metal co-catalyst, has a larger specific surface area, suitable band gap width, and visible light response capability compared to a single-phase graphene co-catalyst. Therefore, introducing the MoS2/rGO co-catalyst into the ZnO system can provide more active sites, reduce the probability of photogenerated charge carrier recombination, and improve the utilization efficiency of visible light. In this review, we summarize the hydrothermal synthesis methods for preparing this highly demanded nanocomposite material, including one-step and stepwise methods. Subsequently, we elaborate on the mechanism of enhancing light absorption and achieving efficient electron-hole separation behavior in the ternary system heterojunction structure during the photocatalytic process. Due to its significant advantages, this ternary system heterojunction structure has been widely applied in the field of photocatalysis, including applications such as pollutant degradation, sterilization, and water splitting.

One-Dimensional Tubular Carbon Nitride Embedded in Ni2P for Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity of H2 Evolution

Graphitic carbon nitride is considered as an ideal semiconductor material for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution due to its suitable energy band structure, durability and environmental friendliness. To further improve the catalytic performance of g-C3N4, nickel phosphide-loaded one-dimensional tubular carbon nitride (Ni2P/TCN) was prepared by thermal polymerization and photo deposition. The beneficial effect of the one-dimensional tubular structure on hydrogen generation was mainly attributed to its larger specific surface area (increased light absorption) as well as the linear movement of the carriers, which reduced their diffusion distance to the surface and facilitated the separation of photogenerated carriers. The loading of Ni2P co-catalyst improved the visible light utilization efficiency and enabled the migration of photogenerated electrons towards Ni2P, which ultimately reacted with the enhanced adsorbed H+ on the Ni2P surface to facilitate the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution process. This study provides new clues for the further development of efficient, environmentally friendly and low-cost g-C3N4 catalysts.

Enhanced Fenton-like process over Z-scheme MoO3 surface decorated with Fe2O3 under visible light

Photocatalysts consisting of Z-scheme heterojunctions are commonly used in wastewater treatment due to their exceptional reactivity in photocatalysis and highly efficient visible-light utilization. In this work, Fe2O3-decorated MoO3 rods were synthesized through a two-step method and their photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) was evaluated. The Fe2O3/MoO3 rods were characterized by XRD, SEM, micro-Raman, XPS, UV–Vis DRS, and PL to investigate their structural, morphological, and optical properties. The results indicate that the photodegradation efficiency of Fe2O3/MoO3 improved through a reduction in the gap energy and persistence of a 1D hexagonal prism structure. The degradation rate of MB was enhanced from 31.7 to 91.5% after irradiation for 180 min owing to electron–hole separation and Fenton-like process. Formation of the OH radical is a key factor in the photodegradation reaction and with the addition of H2O2 the efficiency can further improve via a Fenton-like mechanism. Furthermore, the Z-scheme mechanism concurrently delineated. The Fe2O3/MoO3 rod composites were also found to retain high photocatalytic efficiency after being reused five times, which may be useful for future applications.

Rational design of a donor-acceptor structured poly(3-bromothiophene) modified g-C3N4 for enhanced photocatalytic degradation of 2-mercaptobenzothiazole

Donor-acceptor (D-A) structure has gained momentous attention due to its controllable optical band gap and impressive carrier separation performance. The intramolecular charge transfer within photocatalysts could be modulated by constructing a D-A structure, thereby enhancing their performance in degrading pollutants. In our recent research, using poly(3-bromothiophene) (PTh-Br) and dicyandiamide (DCD) as precursors, a series of D-A structures (CN-PTh-Br(x)) based on polythiophene donors and carbon nitride acceptors were obtained by one-pot synthesis for first-time. The density functional theory calculations further demonstrate that PTh-Br segment (an electron donor) donates electrons to tri-s-triazine rings (an electron acceptor). The introduction of electron-rich polythiophene groups and electron-withdrawing Br atoms on carbon nitride skeleton can propel the transfer and separation of holes and electrons. Moreover, the polythiophene groups with high conjugation length can optimize the optical absorption of CN-PTh-Br(x) at 450–600 nm, thus markedly heightening the visible-light utilization efficiency of the materials. The photocatalytic performance of CN-PTh-Br(x) was assessed through the photodegradation of 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT) under visible-light illumination. The photodegradation performance of CN-PTh-Br(0.5) stood out among all the samples, demonstrating a remarkable ability to remove 99.8% of MBT within 45 min.

Intense interaction between biochar/g-C3N4 promotes the photocatalytic performance of heterojunction catalysts.

In recent decades, environmental protection and energy issues have gained significant attention, and the development of efficient, environmentally friendly catalysts has become especially crucial for the advancement of photocatalytic technology. This study employs the sintering method to produce biochar. A hybrid photocatalyst for the degradation of RHB under visible light was prepared by loading varying proportions of biochar onto g-C3N4 using ultrasonic technology. Among them, 2% CGCD (2% biochar/g-C3N4) achieved a degradation rate of 91.3% for RHB after 30 minutes of visible light exposure, which was more than 25% higher than GCD (g-C3N4), and exhibited a higher photocurrent intensity and lower impedance value. The enhancement in photocatalytic activity is primarily attributed to the increased utilization efficiency of visible light and the electron transfer channel effect from a minor amount of biochar, effectively reducing the recombination of photo-generated charge carriers on the g-C3N4 surface, thereby significantly improving photocatalytic activity. The degradation of RHB is synergistically mediated by O2 -, h+ (photo-generated holes), and ˙OH. The free radical capture experiment indicates that O2 - and ˙OH are the primary active components, followed by h+.

Photo-triggered AuAg@g-C3N4 composite nanoplatform for multimodal broad-spectrum antibacterial therapy.

Strategies based on nanomaterials for sterilization address the problem of antibiotic resistance faced by conventional antimicrobials, with the contribution of photocatalytic compounds being particularly prominent. Herein, to integrate multiple bactericidal techniques into a system for generating synergistic antibacterial effects, a novel photo-triggered AuAg@g-C3N4 composite nanoplatform was constructed by anchoring AuAg on the surface of a g-C3N4 layer. As the composite nanoplatform had a lower bandgap and superior visible light utilization efficiency, it could facilitate free electron transfer better and exhibit superior photocatalytic activity under light conditions. Moreover, the AuAg@g-C3N4 composite nanoplatform integrated the bactericidal modes of silver ion toxicity, physical disruption of bacterial cell membranes by the multilayer structure, and excellent photocatalytic activity, exhibiting extremely superior bactericidal effects against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus subtilis, with a bactericidal efficiency of up to 100%.

CaIn2S4 nanosheets and SnO2 nanoflowers co-sensitized TiO2 nanotubes photoanode for continuous and efficient photocathodic protection of Q235 carbon steel

To solve the problem of poor photocathodic protection (PCP) effect of pure TiO2 nanotubes (NTs) on Q235 carbon steel (CS), CaIn2S4 nanosheets (NSs) and SnO2 nanoflowers (NFs) co-sensitized TiO2 NTs were prepared by anodization, hydrothermal and solvothermal method. Results showed that the absorption edge of CaIn2S4/SnO2/TiO2 NTs extended to 540 nm, indicating the utilization efficiency of visible light was greatly improved. Under light, the CaIn2S4/SnO2/TiO2 NTs exhibited an open circuit potential drop of 530 mV vs. SCE and a photocurrent density of 624 μA cm−2, which was 23 and 48 times that of TiO2 NTs, respectively. The PCP properties of CaIn2S4/SnO2/TiO2 NTs were better than that of TiO2 NTs because the separation and transfer efficiency of electrons and holes were promoted due to the heterojunction structure formed between TiO2, SnO2 and CaIn2S4. Furthermore, the CaIn2S4/SnO2/TiO2 NTs could also provide time-delay protection up to 10 h in the dark state. Obviously, CaIn2S4/SnO2/TiO2 NTs have excellent electron storage capacity and could provide efficient and continuous protection, which may be due to the presence of SnO2 NFs. This work provides an effective strategy of designing more efficient photoanodes for PCP of metals.

Rational design of full-spectrum visible-light-responsive bimetallic sulfide Bi2S3/CoS2 composites for high-efficiency photocatalytic degradation of naproxen and bacterial inactivation

Photocatalytic water decontamination has emerged as a highly promising technology for efficient and rapid water treatment, harnessing sustainable solar energy as its driving force. In this study, we prepared visible-light active Bi2S3/CoS2 composites for the degradation of naproxen (NPX) and the inactivation of Escherichia coli (E. coli). The homogeneous dispersion of CoS2 was stably integrated with Bi2S3, resulting in a significant enhancement of the specific surface area, efficient utilization of visible light, and effective separation of photogenerated charge carriers. Consequently, this synergistic photocatalytic system greatly facilitated the successful degradation of NPX and the inactivation of E. coli under visible-light irradiation. Compared to the pure Bi2S3 and CoS2 catalysts, the Bi2S3/CoS2 (1:2) composites displayed significantly enhanced photodegradation activity, achieving 96.46% (k = 0.2847 min−1) degradation of NPX within 90 min and maintaining good recyclability with no significant decline after six successive cycles. Additionally, the photocatalytic inactivation of E. coli results indicated that Bi2S3/CoS2 composites exhibited excellent performance, leading to the inactivation of 7 log10 cfu mL−1 of bacterial cells after 150 min of visible-light exposure. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and K+ ions leakage tests demonstrated that the destruction of the E. coli cell membrane structure resulted in cell death. The outcomes of this work suggest that Bi2S3/CoS2 composites hold significant potential for treating water contaminated with antibiotic and microbial pollutants.

Photocatalytic removal of 17β-estradiol from water using a novel bimetallic NiCu/Nb2O5 catalyst.

The development of effective photocatalytic materials is essential for removing emerging pollutants from aqueous media, such as the hormone 17β-estradiol (E2). In this study, a novel photocatalyst based on niobium pentoxide (Nb2O5) functionalized with nickel (Ni) and copper (Cu) was synthesized for E2 removal. The NiCu/Nb2O5 photocatalyst was prepared using a facile wet impregnation method and characterized by various techniques. The incorporation of Ni and Cu into Nb2O5 reduced the band gap energy from 3.3 to 2.8eV, enabling efficient utilization of visible light. Moreover, NiCu/Nb2O5 exhibited the highest E2 removal efficiency (82%) under UV-A-assisted conditions at a concentration of 1.5 g L-1. The reaction kinetics were found to follow a second-order model with a rate constant of k = 0.0020 L g-1 min-1, and a plausible reaction mechanism was proposed. Through the study of radical elimination, it was proven that the radical oxidation reaction mechanism predominated in the reaction. The results of the toxicity assays, combined with the TOC parameter, demonstrated the efficacy of photocatalytic degradation in reducing E2. These findings demonstrate the great potential of the NiCu/Nb2O5 photocatalyst for removing persistent pollutants.

Visible‐light‐driven photocatalytic degradation of antibiotics by newly molding g‐C3N4/graphitized biochar composites

AbstractNewly molding g‐C3N4/graphitized biochar (g‐C3N4/GSBC) molding composites photocatalytic material with superior photocatalytic activity were successfully synthesized by the impregnation‐roasting process. The photocatalytic behavior of g‐C3N4/GSBC was assessed in the photocatalytic degradation of antibiotic pollutants, including sulfamethoxazole(SMZ), ciprofloxacin(CIP), and tetracycline(TC), under visible light illumination. The successful composited of g‐C3N4 with GSBC was demonstrated by various characterization results, in which the 5 : 1 mass loading ratio showed the best performance. g‐C3N4/GSBC possessed a larger specific surface area (71.09 m2/g), suitable band gap (2.66 eV), more catalytically active species, and higher utilization efficiency of visible light than powdered g‐C3N4. The removal efficiency of the new composite was higher than that of g‐C3N4 for the three antibiotics, with removal efficiencies of 87.2 %, 83.2 %, and 72.2 % for SMZ, TC, and CIP, respectively. The analysis of its photodegradation mechanism revealed that h+ and ⋅O2− are responsible for the antibiotics′ decomposition. According to the HPLC‐MS results, the possible photocatalytic mechanism and reaction pathways have been proposed. This work provided a new way for the synthesis of molding photocatalysts as an efficient photocatalyst for the degradation of organic contaminants.

Bi-functional biochar-g-C3N4-MgO composites for simultaneously minimizing pollution：Photocatalytic degradation of pesticide and phosphorus recovery as slow-release fertilizer

Significant progress has been made in the development of phosphorus recovery adsorbents and photocatalysts for degradation of pesticides. However, the bifunctional materials for phosphorus recovery and photocatalytic degradation of pesticides have not been designed, and the mechanism of the interaction between photocatalysis and P adsorption remains unexplored. Herein, we develop biochar-g-C3N4-MgO composites (BC-g-C3N4-MgO) with bi-function application to minimize water toxicity and eutrophication. The results show phosphorus adsorption capacity of the BC-g-C3N4-MgO composite reaches 111.0 mg·g-1, and its degradation ratio of dinotefuran reaches 80.1% within 260 min. The mechanism studies show that MgO can play variety roles in BC-g-C3N4-MgO composite, in which can improve the adsorption capacity of phosphorus, enhance the utilization efficiency of visible light and the separation efficiency of photoinduced electron-hole pairs. The biochar existed in BC-g-C3N4-MgO serves as charge transporter with a good conductivity, which promotes the fluent transfer of photo-generated charge carriers. The ESR indicates that both •O2− and •OH generated from BC-g-C3N4-MgO are responsible for dinotefuran degradation. Finally, pot experiments reveal that P laden BC-g-C3N4-MgO promotes the growth of pepper seedlings with high P utilization efficiency of 49.27%.

A flexible and easily recyclable polyacrylonitrile/Cd0.8Zn0.2S/SnO2 nanofibrous mat for visible-light driven photodegradation of RhB

Constructing photocatalyst with high visible light utilization efficiency and easy recyclability is still challenging in view of practical applications. Herein, we constructed a novel Cd0.8Zn0.2S/SnO2 heterojunction on flexible PAN nanofiber substrates via a simple solvothermal route as a flexible and easily recycled photocatalyst. This newly developed PAN/Cd0.8Zn0.2S/SnO2 nanofibrous mat had excellent photocatalytic activity towards Rhodamine B (RhB) under visible light driving, and RhB could be degraded 98 % after 120 min. The efficient photocarrier separation endowed by Cd0.8Zn0.2S/SnO2 heterojunction plays a significant role in improving photocatalytic property. Meanwhile, the obtained PAN/Cd0.8Zn0.2S/SnO2 nanofibrous mat had good structural stability and cycling performance. More importantly, relative to the traditional suspended nanoparticles, the film-like PAN/Cd0.8Zn0.2S/SnO2 exhibit outstanding flexibility and self-supporting characters, allowing them to be effortlessly separated and removed from service environment. This work provides an excellent strategy for designing flexible and recyclable nanofiber based photocatalysts with high photocatalytic activity, which is expected to have broad application prospects in the field of water treatment.