Hetero-structured NiFe2O4/g-C3N4 as dual-functional catalyst for the maximized photocatalytic degradation and electrochemical HER performance
摘要
The NiFe2O4/g‐C3N4 nanocomposite was synthesized through a facile one-step hydrothermal technique and thoroughly characterized using a variety of advanced instruments. The photocatalytic activity of the NiFe2O4/g‐C3N4 nanocomposite photocatalysts was tested for the degradation of Congo red when exposed to light irradiation. The NFCN nanocomposite demonstrated a photocatalytic activity of 90.42%, surpassing that of the pure NiFe2O4 and g‐C3N4 catalysts. The amended photocatalytic activity can be accredited to the creation of a NiFe2O4/g‐C3N4 heterostructure, leading to effective spatial separation of photogenerated charge carriers. The NFCN nanocomposite photocatalyst demonstrated remarkable stability following seven consecutive cycles. Furthermore, the engineered NFCN nanocomposite coated NF electrode demonstrates a substantial augmentation in the HER activity when compared to pristine g-C3N4 and NiFe2O4 nanosheets, attributed to the unique structure and synergistic interaction between g-C3N4 and NiFe2O4. The NFCN-100 nanocomposite coated NF electrode generates a current density of 10 mA/cm2 at a small overpotential and demonstrates remarkable durability in alkaline (1 M KOH) conditions for 24 h, with negligible activity decrement.