An effective method to understand photo-generated charge transfer processes of Z-scheme Ti/α-Fe2O3/g-C3N4 photocatalysts for hydrogen evolution.

In this respect, surface photovoltage spectrum (SPV) has been employed to analyze the carrier transfer mechanism of Ti/α-Fe 2 O 3 /g-C 3 N 4 composite photocatalyst system for the first time. That is, photo-generated carrier interfacial transfer direction is suggested to be the charge driving force between Ti/α-Fe 2 O 3 and g-C 3 N 4 , which could determine the Z -scheme carrier transfer mechanism of Ti/α-Fe 2 O 3 /g-C 3 N 4 photocatalysts. This work provides an effective method to understand the Z -scheme carrier transfer mechanism and could help us to design more effective Z -scheme photocatalysts systems. Unlabelled Image • A new method in understanding the Z -scheme carrier transfer mechanism. • Surface photovoltage spectrum is employed to analyze carrier transfer mechanism. • Ti/α-Fe 2 O 3 /g-C 3 N 4 Z-Scheme photocatalyst system is adopted. • Z-scheme transfer system is analyzed from driving force between the interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]