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In this study, we comprehensively explored the electronic structure and optical properties of Ni-doped Bi4O5Br2 through first-principles computational calculations. By calculating its electronic structure and band characteristics, we investigated the impact of Ni doping on the photocatalytic performance of Bi4O5Br2. The computational results indicated that Ni doping significantly altered the band structure of Bi4O5Br2, leading to a reduction in the band gap width. The band gap for undoped Bi4O5Br2 was 2.151 eV, whereas the Ni-doped system exhibited a smaller band gap, directly indicating its enhanced visible light absorption capacity and facilitating the effective separation of photo-generated electron–hole pairs. Through analysis of 2D charge density maps, we observed changes in chemical bonding induced by Ni doping. The shortening of Ni-O bonds suggested increased bond strength, consistent with the observed reduction in cell volume. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for understanding the mechanisms behind the enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen production performance in Ni-doped Bi4O5Br2, offering valuable insights for the design and optimization of highly efficient photocatalytic materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the density functional theory, the effect of rare-earth La doping at different concentrations on the electronic structure, optical properties, and magnetic properties of ZnO was calculated by using the GGA+U method under the condition of spin polarization. The calculation results show that the cell of a La-doped ZnO system is distorted, resulting in a formation energy less than zero, in which case it is easy to dope. After La doping, the band gap narrows, the Fermi level enters the conduction band, and the excess carriers induced by La atoms degenerate to form n-type degenerate semiconductor materials. In the visible light region, a blue shift in the optical absorption edge of the La-doped ZnO system causes an increased average static dielectric constant, stronger polarization ability, stronger binding ability on charges, and the photoconductivity of the doped ZnO system is improved. The magnetic moment of the La-doped ZnO system is zero, so it is not magnetic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Theoretical studies on CdS/BiOI heterojunctions are lacking; therefore, this paper studies their electronic structure and optical properties through density functional theory calculations. First-principles calculations were made to investigate the effect of introducing oxygen vacancy defects on the photocatalytic efficiency of CdS/BiOI. The band gap of CdS/BiOI was effectively narrowed compared to that of its constituent materials, resulting in a redshift of the absorption edge. Based on the obtained work functions, the difference in Fermi energy levels caused a spontaneous flow of electrons, resulting in band bending and the establishment of a local electric field. The electric field promoted the separation of electron–hole pairs. At the same time, the addition of oxygen vacancies created impurity levels, allowing light absorption to extend to the infrared region, further promoting carrier separation. Our study reveals the origin of the enhanced efficiency of CdS/BiOI heterostructures and also predicts the photocatalytic activity of CdS/BiOI heterojunctions after introducing oxygen vacancies. These results may facilitate the design of such structures with enhanced photocatalytic properties. • The electronic structure and optical properties of CdS/BiOI heterojunction are studied by using density functional theory, and the effect of introducing oxygen vacancy defects into the structure is predicted theoretically. • According to the band structure, density of state, 3D/2D charge density difference and work function calculated by the first principle, the electron transfer from BiOI to CdS can be analyzed, and the trend is enhanced after the introduction of oxygen vacancy defect. • The calculation of optical properties shows that the formation of heterojunction and the introduction of oxygen vacancy defects promote the enhancement of optical absorption intensity. • This paper supplements the theoretical calculation of vacancy in CdS/BiOI heterojunction. And defects are introduced into the heterostructure to enhance the catalytic performance of such materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]