Z-scheme 2D-m-BiVO4 networks decorated by a g-CN nanosheet heterostructured photocatalyst with an excellent response to visible light

For economical water splitting and degradation of toxic organic dyes, the development of inexpensive, efficient, and stable photocatalysts capable of harvesting visible light is essential. In this study, we designed a model system by grafting graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) (g-CN) nanosheets on the surface of 2D monoclinic bismuth vanadate (m-BiVO₄) nanoplates by a simple hydrothermal method. This as-synthesized photocatalyst has well-dispersed g-CN nanosheets on the surface of the nanoplates of m-BiVO₄, thus forming a heterojunction with a high specific surface area. The degradation rate for bromophenol blue (BPB) shown by BiVO₄/g-CN is 96% and that for methylene blue (MB) is 98% within 1 h and 25 min, respectively. The 2D BiVO₄/g-CN heterostructure system also shows outstanding durability and retains up to ∼95% degradation efficiency for the MB dye even after eight consecutive cycles; the degradation efficiency for BPB does not change too much after eight consecutive cycles as well. The enhanced photocatalytic activities of BiVO₄/g-CN are attributed to the larger surface area, larger number of surface active sites, fast charge transfer and improved separation of photogenerated charge carriers. We proposed a mechanism for the improved photocatalytic performance of the Z-scheme photocatalytic system. The present work gives a good example for the development of a novel Z-scheme heterojunction with good stability and high photocatalytic activity for toxic organic dye degradation and water splitting applications.

For economical water splitting and degradation of toxic organic dyes, the development of inexpensive, efficient, and stable photocatalysts capable of harvesting visible light is essential.