Tailoring Electron Pathways in Pt-Bi2WO6/g-C3N4 Z-Scheme Systems via One-Pot Strategy for Dual Dye Degradation and Water Splitting Applications
摘要
In this study, electron transport dynamics in a novel Z-scheme photocatalyst, Pt-Bi2WO6/g-C3N4 (PBCN), were precisely tailored through a one-pot synthesis strategy. This unified approach enabled the concurrent formation of Bi2WO6 (BWO) and the one-pot incorporation of platinum (Pt) within a g-C3N4 (g-CN) framework, ensuring homogeneous Pt distribution and its strategic positioning as an electron mediator at the heterojunction interface. The engineered structure enabled directional charge transfer typical of an unconventional Z-scheme. This process preserves strong redox potentials, resulting in enhanced photocatalytic performance. XPS spectra exhibited notable binding energy shifts, confirming effective interfacial charge transfer. Complementary analyses, including PL spectroscopy and photoelectrochemical measurements, revealed enhanced charge carrier separation and suppressed recombination. UV–Vis DRS and Mott–Schottky analysis further validated suitable band alignment for efficient Z-scheme operation. Structural and morphological characterizations (FESEM, HRTEM, BET) demonstrated a well-defined nanoscale architecture, high surface area, and uniform Pt dispersion. The optimized PBCN achieved 98% degradation of cationic RhB under 60 min of visible-light irradiation. Furthermore, a remarkable photocatalytic water splitting performance was recorded, generating hydrogen at a rate of 4265.96 µmol g−1 h−1.