Suitable energy avenue for the dimension-matched cascade charge transfer mechanism in a g-C₃N₄/TS-1 heterostructure co-doped with Au–TiO₂ for artificial photosynthetic green fuel production

Abstract

A Z-scheme g-C3N4/TS-1 heterojunction supported photosensitizer, along with an Au–TiO2 energy avenue, enables selective photocatalytic CO2 reduction to CH4, CO, and H2. This innovative approach enhances green fuel production efficiency effectively.

RETRACTED: Dimensionally Intact Construction of Ultrathin S-Scheme CuFe2O4/ZnIn2S4 Heterojunctional Photocatalysts for CO2 Photoreduction

“…The widespread reliance on fossil fuels has significantly contributed to the surge in CO 2 emissions from combustion activities, exacerbating the effects of global warming, including the melting of glaciers and rising sea levels. − Despite the increasing levels of carbon dioxide emissions from anthropogenic sources and the rapid development of renewable energy technologies, − photocatalysis has emerged as a promising avenue for environmental conservation. ,,, However, the efficiency of photocatalytic processes remains a critical challenge. − The seminal investigation by Fujishima and Honda in 1972, demonstrating the ability of TiO 2 single crystals to split water into oxygen and hydrogen, underscored the potential of semiconductor-based photocatalysis to harness solar energy for environmental cleanup and energy transformation, ,,, sparking increased interest in this domain. The effectiveness of a photocatalytic reaction is significantly influenced by the photocatalyst, which is crucial for optimizing solar energy capture. − For semiconductor photocatalysis to be effective, it is imperative for the photocatalyst to have an optimal bandgap to absorb sunlight efficiently, along with appropriate positions for the conduction band and valence band (VB), to endow charge carriers with robust redox potential while maintaining the stability of the catalysts. − Challenges such as the swift recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes, along with limited light-harvesting efficiency, constrain the performance of semiconductor photocatalysts. Moreover, achieving a balance between broad light absorption and robust redox capacity within a single semiconductor photocatalyst often presents a paradox.…”

Heterojunctions Comprised of Graphitic Carbon Nitride Nanosheets and SnO2 Nanoparticles with Exposed {221} Crystal Facets for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution

“…Steady-state photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy was performed to study the separation and recombination of photogenerated electron–hole pairs. Typically, the steady-state PL peak signal comes from the recombination of the electron–hole pair. , As revealed in Figure a, CN/O-SnO 2 shows a relatively lower PL peak intensity compared with CN. This phenomenon indicates that the photogenerated charge-carrier separation rate of CN/O-SnO 2 is greatly improved.…”

“…Typically, the steady-state PL peak signal comes from the recombination of the electron− hole pair. 64,65 As revealed in Figure 8a, CN/O-SnO 2 shows a relatively lower PL peak intensity compared with CN. This phenomenon indicates that the photogenerated charge-carrier 9c).…”

Charge transfer in TiO2-based photocatalysis: fundamental mechanisms to material strategies

“…Secondly, the use of wide band gap semiconductors for the formation of heterojunction nanocomposites restricts the utilization of more visible light photons to achieve the highest photon conversion efficiency. 144–147…”