Suitable energy platform significantly improves charge separation of g-C3N4 for CO2 reduction and pollutant oxidation under visible-light

• Published in: Progress in natural science 2019-04, Vol.29 (2), p.138-144
• Main Authors: Zada, Amir, Ali, Nauman, Subhan, Fazle, Anwar, Natasha, Ali Shah, Muhammad Ishaq, Ateeq, Muhammad, Hussain, Zahid, Zaman, Khair, Khan, Momin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Charge separation; CO2 reduction; Nanophotocatalyst; Pollutant degradation
• ISSN: 1002-0071
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pnsc.2019.03.004

The photocatalytic activities of g-C3N4 can be significantly improved by increasing life time of the photogenerated charges. Here, in this work we introduced TiO2 as proper energy platform to accept the photogenerated electrons from g-C3N4 during photocatalysis. The nanophotocatalysts formed from the combination of a suitable amount of TiO2 nanoparticles and g-C3N4 nanosheets showed 8.75 and 4.22% enhancement in photocatalytic activities for CO2 reduction and 2-chlorophenol (2-CP) degradation under visible light illumination as compared to bare g-C3N4. Based on the surface photovoltage spectra, photoluminescence spectra and examination of formed hydroxyl radicals, it was confirmed that these enhanced photoactivities were attributed to the much-improved charge separation via the electron transfer from g-C3N4 to TiO2. From trapping experiments, it was found that hydroxyl radicals were the major species involved in the photocatalytic degradation of 2-CP. This study is helpful to synthesize efficient photocatalysts to cope with energy and environmental issues. [Display omitted] •TiO2 as suitable energy platform was coupled with g-C3N4 nanosheets successfully.•The composite showed enhanced activities for CO2 reduction and 2-chlorophenol degradation under visible light.•The optimized nanocomposite showed enhanced photocatalytic activities as compared to bare g-C3N4.•The photoactivities are attributed to the improved charge separation via electron induction from g-C3N4 to TiO2.