Efficient Z-scheme Research Articles

Facile Synthesis of a Z-Scheme ZnIn2S4/MoO3 Heterojunction with Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity under Visible Light Irradiation.

Employing a visible-light-driven direct Z-scheme photocatalytic system for the abatement of organic pollutants has become the key scientific approach in the area of photocatalysis. In this study, a highly efficient Z-scheme ZnIn2S4/MoO3 heterojunction was prepared through the hydrothermal method, followed by the impregnation technique that facilitates the formation of an interface between the two phases for efficient photocatalysis. The structural, optical, and surface elemental composition and morphology of the prepared samples were characterized in detail through X-ray diffraction, UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The results indicate that the composite materials have a strong intimate contact between the two phases, which is beneficial for the effective separation of photoinduced charge carriers. The visible-light-mediated photocatalytic activity of the samples was tested by studying the degradation of methyl orange (MO), rhodamine B (RhB), and paracetamol in aqueous suspension. An optimum loading content of 40 wt % ZnIn2S4/MoO3 exhibits the best degradation efficiency toward the above pollutants compared to bare MoO3 and ZnIn2S4. The improved photocatalytic activity could be ascribed to the efficient light-harvesting property and prolonged charge separation ability of the Z-scheme ZnIn2S4/MoO3 catalyst. Based on reactive species determination results, the Z-scheme charge transfer mechanism of ZnIn2S4/MoO3 was discussed and proposed. This study paves the way toward the development of highly efficient direct Z-scheme structures for a multitude of applications.

Rationally constructing of a novel dual Z-scheme composite photocatalyst with significantly enhanced performance for neonicotinoid degradation under visible light irradiation

A novel dual Z-scheme g-C3N4/WO3/AgI photocatalyst was rationally constructed via a two-step method (electrostatic self-assembly plus selective deposition). Firstly, binary g-C3N4/WO3 system was fabricated by electrostatic self-assembly method. Then, Ag ions were selectively adsorbed on the surface of negatively charged WO3 and reacted with I ions to form AgI nanoparticles. Compared with pure g-C3N4, WO3, AgI and their binary composites, the ternary composites showed significantly enhanced photocatalytic performance for nitenpyram (NTP) degradation under visible light. The enhanced performance can be ascribed to the increased charge transferring/separation efficiency and remaining high reduction/oxidation ability of the photo-generated electrons/holes in the dual Z-scheme system. Furthermore, the possible degradation pathway of NTP was deduced based on the results of high-performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). This work would broaden insight into the rationally construction of highly efficient Z-scheme composite photocatalysts.

Tuning of the electronic band structure of fibrous silica titania with g-C3N4 for efficient Z-scheme photocatalytic activity

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4)/fibrous silica titania (CNFST) catalysts are successfully synthesized via a simple solid-state microwave-assisted method under various loadings of g-C3N4 and then characterized by XPS, ESR, FTIR, TEM, UV–Vis DRS, FESEM, XRD and N2 adsorption-desorption analysis. The catalytic activity towards visible-light photodegradation of 2-chlorophenol is of the following order: 10 wt% CNFST (93%) ˃ 15 wt% CNFST (70%) ˃ g-C3N4 (67%) ˃ 5 wt% CNFST (49%) ˃ fibrous silica titania (40%). The highest activity of 10 wt% CNFST is due to high amount of defect sites, including SiON and SiOC bonds, oxygen vacancies and metal defects. These features narrow the band gap and tune the electronic band structure of fibrous silica titania, as well as acting as electron mediators which can induced charge carriers recombination and strong redox ability for the Z-scheme mechanism. Consequently, photogenerated holes play a major role in the degradation, as confirmed by a scavenger study. It is believed that the Z-scheme interfacial heterojunction of CNFST demonstrates an excellent potential toward the photocatalytic degradation of numerous phenolic compounds in wastewater treatment.

Dynamic Covalent Synthesis of Crystalline Porous Graphitic Frameworks

Summary Porous graphitic framework (PGF) is a two-dimensional (2D) material that has emerging energy applications. An archetype contains stacked 2D layers, the structure of which features a fully annulated aromatic skeleton with embedded heteroatoms and periodic pores. Due to the lack of a rational approach in establishing in-plane order under mild synthetic conditions, the structural integrity of PGF has remained elusive and ultimately limited its material performance. Here, we report the discovery of the unusual dynamic character of the C=N bonds in the aromatic pyrazine ring system under basic aqueous conditions, which enables the successful synthesis of a crystalline porous nitrogenous graphitic framework with remarkable in-plane order, as evidenced by powder X-ray diffraction studies and direct visualization using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The crystalline framework displays superior performance as a cathode material for lithium-ion batteries, outperforming the amorphous counterparts in terms of capacity and cycle stability.

WO3 nanocrystals decorated Ag3PO4 tetrapods as an efficient visible-light responsive Z-scheme photocatalyst for the enhanced degradation of tetracycline in aqueous medium

A series of WO3/Ag3PO4 composites with varying amounts of WO3 were successfully synthesized by a surfactant-free hydrothermal method and utilized for the photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline (TC) under visible-light irradiation. The formation of a composite structure with the decoration of WO3 nanocrystals on the surface of tetrapod-like Ag3PO4 was clearly seen in the materials characterization. The surface of Ag3PO4 tetrapods was found to be homogenously decorated with WO3 nanocrystals depending on their incremental amount, and an adjacent contact between the coupling materials was resulted that instigated the formation of heterointerfaces in the composites. The visible light absorption of WO3 was significantly improved by its coupling with Ag3PO4 tetrapods. The photoluminescence, electrochemical impedance and photocurrent density analyses indicated the increased life time of the charge carriers with reduced electron-hole pair recombination rate. The photocatalytic activity results had shown that within 24 min of visible light irradiation, the 50 % WO3/Ag3PO4 composite achieved ∼96 % TC degradation with a TC mineralization efficiency of 15.4 %. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of the composites could be attributed to the facile separation of the photoinduced charge carriers through a Z-scheme type charge transfer mechanism at the heterointerface. The scavenger studies specified the primary role of holes and hydroxyl radicals in the oxidative degradation of TC. Additionally, the 50 % WO3/Ag3PO4 composite was effectively reused for four cycles of TC degradation with a gradual loss in its activity, whereas the Ag3PO4 tetrapods suffered a rapid photocorrosion. It validates the superior role of charge transfer process in the photocorrosion inhibition of Ag3PO4 tetrapods.

Defect State Assisted Z-scheme Charge Recombination in Bi2O2CO3/Graphene Quantum Dot Composites For Photocatalytic Oxidation of NO

In this work, we explored the photoinduced charge carriers dynamics rationalizing the photocatalytic oxidation of NO over N-doped Bi2O2CO3/graphene quantum dots composites(N-BOC/GQDs) via time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL). Under visible light illumination, only GQDs can be photoexcited and inject electrons to N-BOC within 0.5 ns. Under UV light irradiation, the interfacial Z-scheme heterojunction recombination between the electrons in N-BOC and holes in GQDs dominate the depopulation of excited states within 0.36 ns. Such efficient Z-scheme recombination regardless of the large energy difference (1.66 eV) is mediated by the interfacial oxygen vacany defect states characterized by both density functional theory calculations (DFT) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) measurement. This finding provide a novel strategic view to improve the photocatalytic performance of the nanocomposite by interfacial engineering

Efficient hydroxylation of benzene to phenol by H2O2 using Ni-doped CuWO4 on carbon nitride as a catalyst under solar irradiation and its structure–activity correlation

A series of environmentally benign and highly efficient Z-scheme Ni-doped CuWO4 nanoparticles on graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) were synthesized.

2D/2D WO3·H2O/g-C3N4 heterostructured assemblies for enhanced photocatalytic water decontamination via strong interfacial contact

A strong interfacial contact of heterostructured photocatalysts plays a key role in charges migration, thus promoting photocatalytic performance. Benefiting from the unique two-dimensional (2D) morphology and abundant terminals, 2D/2D “face-to-face” WO3·H2O/g-C3N4 heterostructured self-assemblies were fabricated employing tungsten oxide hydrate (WO3·H2O) nanoplates and graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) sheets as precursors. Compared to pristine WO3·H2O and g-C3N4, the binary WO3·H2O/g-C3N4 heterostructures exhibit excellent photocatalytic performance towards water decontamination, using organic dye rhodamine B/methyl orange as probes. It is found that WO3·H2O/g-C3N4 with 20 wt% mass ratio (WHC-20) possesses the best photocatalytic activities, with about 3.05 times higher than that of pristine g-C3N4. The remarkable increase performance is attributed to the enhanced evolution of superoxide radicals (·O2−) via photoreduction in adsorbed oxygen molecules (O2−), which are promoted by efficient Z-scheme charges separation and rapid electrons transfer at 2D/2D interface. Given the low-cost, facile synthetic procedure and recycling stability, the heterostructured WO3·H2O/g-C3N4 could be served as a promising photocatalyst to deal with water contamination.

Visible-light responsive Z-scheme Bi@β-Bi2O3/g-C3N4 heterojunction for efficient photocatalytic degradation of 2,3-dihydroxynaphthalene

Abstract In this study, all-solid-state Z-scheme Bi@β-Bi2O3/g-C3N4 heterojunction was successfully constructed by in situ deposition and oxidation, where the mediator bismuth acted as a bridge to shuttle electrons between β-Bi2O3 and g-C3N4. The micromorphology, crystal structure, electronic environment and optical property of Z-scheme catalysts were systematically studied by XRD, XPS, SEM, TEM, UV–vis DRS, etc. techniques. The characterizations confirmed Bi@β-Bi2O3/g-C3N4 with the core–shell structure was successfully fabricated at 230 °C. The Z-scheme heterojunction exhibited the superior visible-light degradation capacity for 2,3-dihydroxynaphthalene (2,3-DHN) with a removal ratio of 87.0% after 100 min irradiation. The significantly enhanced photoactivity was attributed to Z-scheme heterojunction facilitating the spatial and temporal separation of photoinduced carriers and maintaining the original strong oxidation and reduction reaction center of correlative component. The possible photodegradation pathway of 2,3-DHN was proposed by the determined degradation byproducts. This study could inspire new ideas for building efficient metal-bridge Z-scheme heterojunctions, and also provided novel insights into the elimination mechanism of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and their derivatives in photocatalysis.

Direct Z-scheme La1-xCexMnO3 catalyst for photothermal degradation of toluene.

A series of Ce-doped LaMnO3 (La1-xCexMnO3) were prepared and were tested for gaseous toluene oxidation in order to investigate the effect of cerium doping in LaMnO3 on activity under photothermal conditions. It was found that the activity and CO2 yield of the catalyst can be effectively increased when x = 0.25. A group of characterization is used to characterize the morphology, composition, and physical properties of the as-prepared catalysts. Results show that the Ce-doped LaMnO3 can form coexistence of La1-xCexMnO3 and CeO2, the reaction of CeO2/La1-xCexMnO3 under photothermal conditions follows the Mars-van Krevelen redox cycle mechanism, and the prepared CeO2/La1-xCexMnO3 can form a highly efficient Z-scheme heterojunction, which can enhance the electrons transfer speed of the catalyst. Moreover, in the photothermal catalytic degradation, lattice oxygen is the most important active substance, a small amount of cerium doping can increase the lattice oxygen content of perovskite and increase the activity of the reaction.

Construction and mechanism of a novel Z-scheme photocatalyst α-Fe2O3/P3HT with O-Ti-O for organic pollutant degradation under visible light

There is a great need to design a new method for fabricating efficient and cheap Z-scheme photocatalysts. For this reason, we synthesized a novel Z-scheme photocatalyst α-Fe2O3/P3HT with O-Ti-O charge transfer mediator. The effective compounding of each part was confirmed by different characterization methods. The charge transfer mechanism was confirmed to obey the Z-scheme mechanism by measuring the valence band value and by ESR experiments. Moreover, the Z-scheme mechanism in this system was further discussed based on the observed changes in the chemical structure and the theoretical calculation. Based on the characterization of the optical properties, this novel catalyst exhibited better charge transfer and separation abilities under visible light conditions due to its unique architecture. Additionally, this novel Z-scheme photocatalyst showed enhancement in the bisphenol A degradation effect, the degradation reaction was pseudo-first-order kinetics, a removal rate of up to 90% was maintained after four cycles. The BPA degradation pathway was also discussed in this study. This study provides a new approach for the construction of Z-scheme photocatalysts.

Metal selenides for photocatalytic Z-scheme pure water splitting mediated by reduced graphene oxide

Exploration of novel narrow bandgap semiconductors for overall water splitting is vital for the realization of practical solar H 2 production. In the work, solid solutions of zinc selenide and copper gallium selenide with absorption edge wavelengths ranging from 480 to 730 nm were developed. Using these metal selenides as H 2 -evolving photocatalysts, CoO x /BiVO 4 as the O 2 -evolving photocatalyst, and reduced graphene oxide as the electron mediator, all-solid-state Z-scheme overall pure water splitting systems were constructed. The rate of photocatalytic H 2 evolution from aqueous solutions containing Na 2 S and Na 2 SO 3 as the electron donors was evaluated while employing these selenide photocatalysts at various Zn/(Zn+Cu) and Ga/Cu molar ratios. The data demonstrate that efficient Z-scheme overall water splitting was significantly correlated to the photoelectrochemical performance of the selenide photocatalysts acting as photocathodes, rather than the photocatalytic activities of these materials during the sacrificial H 2 evolution. Powder suspension Z-scheme pure water splitting systems employing narrow bandgap metal selenides, CoO x /BiVO 4 , and reduced graphene oxide as the H 2 evolving photocatalyst, O 2 evolving photocatalyst, and electron mediator, respectively, are demonstrated.

Zn defect-mediated Z-scheme electron-hole separation in AgIn5S8/ZnS heterojunction for enhanced visible-light photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

Exploring high-efficiency Z-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst has been regarded as an effective approach for promoting photocatalytic hydrogen production efficiency. In this study, a novel direct Z-scheme heterojunction composed of AgIn5S8 (denoted as AIS) and Zn-defective ZnS (denoted as D-ZnS) was fabricated via two-step hydrothermal method. The AIS/D-ZnS heterojunction exhibited improved visible light harvesting capability, prolonged charge lifetime and promoted charge separation efficiency, thus contributing to the remarkably enhanced photocatalytic activity as well as stability. The photocatalytic H2 evolution rate of the optimized (0.10:1)AIS/D-ZnS reached 932.76 μmol·h−1 g−1, which was 12 times higher than that of bare D-ZnS (75.13 μmol·h−1 g−1) under visible light irradiation, and an optimal apparent quantum yield of 3.7% was achieved at λ = 420 nm. TEM, XPS, EPR and PL results confirmed the appropriate concentration of Zn defects is conducive to the separation of photogenerated carriers. DMPO-EPR and PL probe experiments for determining O2− and OH active radicals further proved that the transfer and separation of electrons and holes followed Z-scheme mechanism. This work not only presents an alternative strategy for the construction of highly efficient Z-scheme heterojunction photocatalysts, but also provides new insights into the role of defects in mediating the separation and migration of charge carriers.

Efficient Z-scheme photocatalysts of ultrathin g-C3N4-wrapped Au/TiO2-nanocrystals for enhanced visible-light-driven conversion of CO2 with H2O

Z-scheme-type photocatalysts with two photochemical systems of graphic-C3N4 (g-C3N4) and anatase TiO2 (A-TiO2) nanocrystals combined with Au nanoparticles (NPs) [(Au/A-TiO2)@g-C3N4] were successfully fabricated. The surface heterojunction between coexposed {001} and {101} facets in A-TiO2 nanocrystals improves separation efficiency of photoelectrons and holes. Supported Au NPs gather and transfer the stimulated electrons originated from A-TiO2 to g-C3N4. Wrapped g-C3N4 nanosheets can not only trap the photoelectrons, but also its surface π bond can improve adsorption capabilities for CO2. (Au/A-TiO2)@g-C3N4 catalysts with enriched surface photoelectrons and CO2 exhibit high photocatalytic activity for visible-light-driven conversion of CO2, i.e., the formation rates of CH4 and CO over (Au/A-TiO2)@C3N4-5 catalyst are 37.4 and 21.7 μmol g−1 h−1, respectively. The selectivity for CO2 reduction is higher than 99%, and the selectivity of CH4 product increases from 1.4% to 63.3%. The innovation of Z-scheme-type photocatalysts is expected to provide new inspiration for artificial simulation photosynthesis.

Highly efficient Z-scheme g-C3N4/ZnO photocatalysts constructed by co-melting-recrystallizing mixed precursors for wastewater treatment

Due to the powerful functions of photocatalytic technology in degrading organic pollutants by using sunlight, the development of photocatalytic materials with visible light response has received great attention in order to meet the requirements of energy saving and emission reduction. Herein, we synthesize a new type of composite photocatalyst composed of graphite-like C3N4 and ZnO by co-melting-recrystallizing the precursors of two pure catalysts at 600 °C under air atmosphere. The composites present an enhanced photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation, the kinetic constant of Methyl Orange (MO) degradation with g-C3N4/ZnO is 2.89 and 8.23 times those of the pure g-C3N4 and ZnO, respectively. Moreover, the high stability of the photocatalyst was reflected in the photodegradation of MO. The ZnO was successfully incorporated into the lattice of g-C3N4, and a Zn–N bond was formed, which resulted in an enhanced charge transfer efficiency in composites. Therefore, the low separation efficiency of photogenerated electrons–hole pairs existed in a single catalyst was well solved after g-C3N4 was combined with ZnO. The adjustment of raw material ratio shows great influence on the photocatalytic activity, and the optimum synergetic effect of the composite catalyst was found at a weight ratio of 1/30 of ZnO precursor to g-C3N4 precursor. We concluded that the photocatalytic system formed by g-C3N4 and ZnO should be the Z-scheme heterojunction with an improved transfer efficiency of photogenerated electron–hole pairs and strong redox capacity, which can be confirmed by radical trapping experiments, DMPO-ESR technique and valence band XPS spectra measurements.

Defect as the essential factor in engineering carbon-nitride-based visible-light-driven Z-scheme photocatalyst

In designing of carbon nitride-based Z-scheme systems, band structure engineering of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) is unquestionably a crucial demand but paid rare attention to. Here, the broadened light absorption and charge transfer on sub gaps induced by thermal defects in defect-rich carbon nitride (d-C3N4) are simultaneously utilized to engineer a novel and more efficient Z-scheme system. The as-prepared α-Fe2O3/d-C3N4-1 exhibits dramatically improved photocatalytic degradation rate for tetracycline compared withα-Fe2O3/g-C3N4-1 under visible light. Dye photosensitization effect on photocatalytic reaction was ruled out, and the tetracycline decomposition mechanism was proposed. The efficiently restrained charge recombination and broadened light absorption in this Z-scheme system are key parameters of the outstanding photocatalytic activity. This proposed mechanism has the potential to push the limit of traditional carbon-nitride-based Z-scheme photocatalysts and can also shed substantial light on the engineering strategies for other polymeric Z-scheme photocatalysts.

Enhanced degradation of rhodamine B, tetracycline and carbamazepine by construction of a solar driven indirect Z-scheme AgI/Ag/Bi2O2CO3 nanosheets photocatalyst

The indirect Z-scheme AgI/Ag/Bi2O2CO3 nanosheets photocatalysts were facilely constructed with Ag nanoparticles generated between AgI and Bi2O2CO3 nanosheets through in situ photo-reduction process. The morphology, structure, chemical composition, optical and photo-electrochemical properties were characterized via various methods. Different organic pollutants, including Rhodamine B (RhB), Tetracycline (TC) and Carbamazepine (CBZ) were used to explore the photodegrading application of AgI/Ag/Bi2O2CO3 nanosheets. AgI/Ag/Bi2O2CO3 nanosheets exhibited highly improved photocatalytic activities than that of Bi2O2CO3 nanosheets (BOC sheets), AgI/BOC sheets and AgI. The photocatalytic rates of RhB, TC and CBZ degradation on AgI/Ag/Bi2O2CO3 nanosheets were 2.48, 1.31 and 7.61 times higher than that of BOC sheets, respectively. The as constructed indirect Z-scheme structure may be the main factor to increase the photocatalytic performance of AgI/Ag/Bi2O2CO3 nanosheets, where Ag can act as charge transfer bridge accelerating the charge transfer and separation of the electrons and holes. Moreover, it may also result in higher oxidative holes in VB of Bi2O2CO3 and more reductive electrons in CB of AgI. The photocatalytic mechanism on the AgI/Ag/Bi2O2CO3 nanosheets was also discussed based on the trapping experiment results that ·O2− and h+ were the main radicals during photocatalytic reaction. The present study may provide a rational strategy to design highly efficient indirect Z-scheme photocatalyst for organic pollutants degradation.

Preparation of Al–O-Linked Porous-g-C3N4/TiO2-Nanotube Z-Scheme Composites for Efficient Photocatalytic CO2 Conversion and 2,4-Dichlorophenol Decomposition and Mechanism

The photocatalytic activity of TiO2 nanotubes can be improved through the construction of a Z-scheme composite, where photogenerated electrons from TiO2 recombine with the photogenerated holes in a coupled semiconductor. This arrangement allows for improved oxidation due to the residual holes of TiO2 and better chemical reduction due to the greater availability of the photogenerated electrons of the coupled semiconductor. Efficient Z-scheme porous-g-C3N4/TiO2-nanotube (PCN/TNTs) composites were developed here using a solid sublimation and transition approach, with Al–O links added by an impregnation method to increase interfacial linkages between the PCN and TNTs. The best results for photocatalytic CO2 conversion were obtained using 0.7PCN/0.4Al/TNTs, as shown by production of 54.9 ± 0.70 mg L–1 h–1 of acetic acid, 42.7 ± 0.54 mg L–1 h–1 of formic acid, and 45.4 ± 0.55 mg L–1 h–1 of methanol, which were about 3.8, 4.3, and 4.2 times that produced with bare TNTs. Photocatalytic 2,4-dichlorophenol decompos...

Novel rugby-like g-C3N4/BiVO4 core/shell Z-scheme composites prepared via low-temperature hydrothermal method for enhanced photocatalytic performance

Novel rugby-like g-C3N4/BiVO4 (xCN/BVO, x = 3, 5, and 10) Z-Scheme type composite photocatalyst was fabricated using g-C3N4 nanosheets as raw materials of the morphology directing and heterojunction construction via one-step low-temperature hydrothermal method. The results showed that this fabrication method is effective to control the morphology of BiVO4 from irregular shape to regular rugby-like with g-C3N4 nanosheets addition and construct a Z-Scheme type heterojunction with intimate and wide interfaces between g-C3N4 and BiVO4. The rugby-like CN/BVO exhibited better photocatalytic activity for methyl orange (MO) degradation than single irregular BiVO4. The optimal 5CN/BVO sample can degraded 94.2% of MO in 50 min under visible light illumination, being about 8.78 higher than pure BiVO4. The improved photocatalytic efficiency for CN/BVO is mainly due to the strengthen visible light utilization ability, the special rugby-like morphology, intimate interface, and the efficient Z-Scheme type heterojunction formation.

Self-generating CeVO4 as conductive channel within CeO2/CeVO4/V2O5 to induce Z-scheme-charge-transfer driven photocatalytic degradation coupled with hydrogen production

The construction of highly efficient Z-scheme photocatalytic system is regarded as a hot research topic in the fields of environmental remediation and renewable energy production. In this work, a novel Z-scheme CeO2/CeVO4/V2O5 photocatalyst is successfully prepared by using solid phase reaction method. The photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutant (Methylene Blue) with simultaneous hydrogen production is efficiently realized over the prepared Z-scheme CeO2/CeVO4/V2O5 photocatalysts under visible-light irradiation. The effects of treatment temperatures and treatment times of CeO2/V2O5 composite on the photocatalytic performance of Z-scheme CeO2/CeVO4/V2O5 photocatalyst are studied. The as-prepared Z-scheme CeO2/CeVO4/V2O5 (550-3) photocatalyst heat-treated at 550 °C for 3.0 h exhibits the highest photocatalytic performance. It can be ascribed to a moderate amount of CeVO4 nanoparticles generated between CeO2 and V2O5. The generated CeVO4 nanoparticles can be used as effective conductive channel to transfer the photo-generated carriers. At the same time, as redox reaction centers it can further accelerate the transfer of photo-generated electrons, effectively enhancing the separation efficiency of photo-generated electron and hole pairs. Furthermore, cyclic test demonstrates that the as-prepared Z-scheme CeO2/CeVO4/V2O5 (550-3) photocatalyst still maintains a high level of photocatalytic activity within five periods under the same conditions. Moreover, the related photocatalytic mechanism for degradation of organic pollutants with simultaneous hydrogen evolution over the Z-scheme CeO2/CeVO4/V2O5 (550-3) photocatalyst is proposed. Perhaps, this study affords a simple and novel method to design and develop next generation of highly efficient Z-scheme photocatalysts.