Uncovering the Key Role of the Fermi Level of the Electron Mediator in a Z-Scheme Photocatalyst by Detecting the Charge Transfer Process of WO3-metal-gC3N4 (Metal = Cu, Ag, Au)

• DOI: 10.1021/acsami.5b10613
• Publication Date: 2016-01-05T10:21:51Z
• Authors: Houfen Li; Hongtao Yu; Xie Quan; Shuo Chen; Yaobin Zhang
• Keywords: Photocurrent

Z-scheme photocatalytic system shows superiority in degradation of refractory pollutants and water splitting due to the high redox capacities caused by its unique charge transfer behaviors. As a key component system, electron mediator plays an important role carrier migration. According energy band theory, we believe interfacial bendings facilitate via mechanism when Fermi level is between levels Photosystem II (PS II) I I), whereas inhibited other cases as barriers would form at semiconductor-metal interfaces. Here, this inference was verified increased hydroxyl radical generation improved photocurrent on WO3-Cu-gC3N4 (with desired structure), which were not observed either WO3-Ag-gC3N4 or WO3-Au-gC3N4. Finally, rate 4-nonylphenol proved be 11.6 times than that WO3-gC3N4, further demonstrating necessity suitable system. This study provides scientific basis for rational construction