Heterostructures Based on g-C₃N₄/CuI as a Photoactivated Support for Pt Nanoparticles toward Efficient Photoelectrocatalytic Methanol Oxidation

Abstract

The elaborate design and construction of a noble metal/semiconductor heterostructure have ignited tremendous interest in the photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) field thanks to the efficacious charge separation and high-reactive activity. Herein, ultrathin g-C3N4 nanosheets are decorated with CuI and Pt nanoparticles to construct a ternary composite photoelectrocatalyst for a direct methanol fuel cell via a facile approach. It is noted that the introduction of CuI, a typical hole transport channel, significantly improves the catalytic performance and long lifetime stability. More importantly, compared to dark conditions, the assistance of visible light remarkably promoted the current density, anti-poisoning ability, stability, and active area of Pt/g-C3N4/CuI. Efficacious electron transfer and high charge separation efficiency acquired through the formation of heterostructures and the photoelectric synergistic catalytic process are responsible for the significant improvement of photocatalytic performance. The present work provides a hopeful pathway to design a heterostructure catalyst with superior catalytic properties for applications in PEC fields.

Biomass porous carbon as the active site to enhance photodegradation of oxytetracycline on mesoporous g-C3N4

“…Then, the photoexcited electrons in the CB of g-C 3 N 4 could easily transfer into the CB of BPC, which could remarkably improve the separation of photoinduced charge carriers, resulting in enhanced photodegradation efficiency. 56 Subsequently, the photoexcited electrons accumulated on the CB of BPC were captured by O 2 on the surface of the composite, then superoxide radicals (˙O 2 − ) was generated and taken part in the OTC degradation process. While, the holes left on the VB of g-C 3 N 4 could directly oxidize OTC molecules to decompose organic pollutants.…”

Graphitic Carbon Nitride for Photoelectrochemical Detection of Environmental Pollutants

“…In comparison to elemental doping, integrating g-C 3 N 4 with other components suitable to construct heterojunctions may be more favorable for an enhancement of PEC performance. 90 The construction of heterojunctions includes mechanical mixture, ultrasonication, electrostatic assembly, hydrothermal/solvothermal, and calcine, resulting in the formation of chemical bonds or the strengthened π−π conjugated interactions due to physical adsorption and electrostatic attraction interactions. 91 This improvement in PEC properties derives from the synergy between the two semiconductors, which leads to the quick spatial separation of electron−hole pairs and charge transfer, strong light absorption capacity, enhanced stability, and electronic conductivity.…”

A Review of Electrical Assisted Photocatalytic Technologies for the Treatment of Multi-Phase Pollutants

“…As the photo-induced e cb − are generated upon the irradiation of lights with suitable wavelength, the external applied positive potential to the photo-anode forces the transfer of photo-induced e cb − to the cathode. This phenomenon favors h vb + to produce more radicals through the reaction with H 2 O/OH − (Equations ( 2) and ( 3)) [34,35].…”