Preparation, structure and application of g-C3N4/BiOX composite photocatalyst. (6th January 2021) - Song, Ting
Abstract: Graphite-like carbon nitride (g-C3 N4 ) has attracted great attention for pollutant degradation and clean energy production. The heterojunctions of bismuth halide (BiOX, X = Cl, Br, I) and g-C3 N4 are proposed to overcome the shortcomings of the g-C3 N4 photocatalyst, such as low charge separation rate and high charge recombination rate. This review paper systematically discusses the progress in synthesis, structure, and applications of heterojunction photocatalytic composites made of g-C3 N4 and BiOX based on the understanding of their photocatalytic reaction mechanism. We clarify and summarize structural mechanisms of a single and compound semiconductor to reveal the factors that affect photocatalytic performances. We discuss and compare advantages and disadvantages of versatile preparation processes. Particularly, we focus on the understanding of the structure and characteristics of type II, Z-type, n-n, and p-n heterojunctions and their applications, specifically in pollutant degradation, H2 production by water splitting, CO2 reduction, and medical sterilization. The future prospects of g-C3 N4 /BiOX composites are also discussed from aspects of their preparation, application, and research methods. This work may offer a good avenue and data reference to develop novel g-C3 N4 photocatalytic materials to meet the ever-increasing environmental pollution and energy shortage. Graphical abstract: g-C3 N4 /BiOX composite material can be synthesized using hydrothermal, hydrolysis, and other methods. Its heterojunction structure includes type II, type Z, n-n, and p-n structures, and it may be applicable for pollutant degradation, H2 production by water splitting, CO2 reduction, and medical sterilization. Image 1 Highlights: A detailed overview of g-C3 N4 /BiOX heterojunction composites is provided. The characteristics of preparation methods of g-C3 N4 /BiOX composites were emphasized. The mechanism study of g-C3 N4 /BiOX heterojunction is explained. The application status of g-C3 N4 /BiOX composite materials are discussed.