Broadband photocatalysis using a Z-scheme heterojunction of Au/NaYF4:Yb, Er/WO3·0.33H2O-W18O49via a synergetic strategy of upconversion function and plasmonic effect. Issue 11 (27th September 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Li, Xiaoxiao; Yang, Kai; Yu, Changlin; Zhang, Kailian; Yang, Shi; Zhu, Lihua; Ji, Hongbing; Dai, Wenxin; Fan, Qizhe; Huang, Weiya
• Is Part Of: Inorganic chemistry frontiers. Volume 6:Issue 11(2019)
• Page Start: 3158
• Page End: 3167
• Publication Date: 2019-09-27
• Subjects: Chemistry, Inorganic -- Periodicals; 546.05
• DOI: 10.1039/c9qi00823c
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2052-1553

Abstract

Abstract : Employing upconversion hosts and plasmonic Au, this work deals with the synthesis of a novel heterojunction via a hydrothermal followed by a photo-reduction method. Abstract : Employing upconversion hosts (which convert lower-energy light into higher-energy light) and plasmonic Au nanoparticles, this work deals with the synthesis of a novel Au/NaYF4 :Yb, Er/WO3 ·0.33H2 O-W18 O49 {denoted as A/NYYE/WW} heterojunction via a hydrothermal method followed by a photo-reduction method. Also, A/NYYE/WW exhibited the optimum photocatalytic activity and stronger photocatalytic stability for the degradation of nitrobenzene aqueous solution in comparison with a single WO3 ·0.33H2 O or NYYE/WW component. Based on the results of X-ray diffraction patterns, field emission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectra, UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectra, upconversion luminescence spectra, luminescence decay and photoelectrochemical measurements, it could be considered that a Z-scheme heterojunction was generated over A/NYYE/WW, in which a highly efficient Förster resonant energy transfer from NYYE to WO3 ·0.33H2 O-W18 O49 was observed and the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effects of Au NPs and W18 O49 could induce the utilization of near infrared light to achieve broadband light absorption. On the other hand, Au NPs also played the role of an electron sink for enhanced charge carrier separation and utilization. Thus, the heterojunction showed the synergetic effects of both upconversion and LSPR features, which could broaden the absorption spectrum to the near infrared region and give rise to a higher yield. It provides a pathway to develop broadband absorption materials in photocatalytic systems.