In-situ synthesis of WO3 nanoplates anchored on g-C3N4 Z-scheme photocatalysts for significantly enhanced photocatalytic activity.

The Z-scheme photocatalysts of WO 3 /g-C 3 N 4 composites with WO 3 nanoplates anchored on the surface of g-C 3 N 4 were synthesized by in-situ acidic precipitation and following calcination procedure. The resultant photocatalysts were characterized by various analytical techniques. This face-to-face intimate contact between g-C 3 N 4 and plate-like WO 3 not only increases the interfacial contact areas, but also facilitates the transfer and separation of photogenerated charge carriers. The photocatalytic activities of degradation Rhodamine (RhB) solution over WO 3 /g-C 3 N 4 composites were evaluated under visible light irradiation. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of WO 3 /g-C 3 N 4 composite could be attributed to the formation of the Z-scheme heterojunction system based on the active species trapping and hydroxyl radicals photoluminescence (PL) detection experiments. Furthermore, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and transient photocurrent measurements confirm the more efficient separation and transfer of photogenerated charge carriers on the WO 3 /g-C 3 N 4 composite than that of pure WO 3 or g-C 3 N 4 . This work would provide new insights into the design and preparation of face-to-face contact heterojunction photocatalysts for organic contaminant removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]