Z-scheme g-C3N4-AQ-MoO3 photocatalyst with unique electron transfer channel and large reduction area for enhanced sunlight photocatalytic hydrogen production

The transfer rate of photo-generated electrons is a critical factor that determines the photocatalytic efficiency of Z-scheme photocatalytic systems. Here, a novel Z-scheme g-C 3 N 4 -AQ-MoO 3 photocatalyst with anthraquinone (AQ) serving as an e – transfer channel for hydrogen production was proposed. Its enhanced photocatalytic activity is due to the accelerated transfer of e – in the form of charge inside AQ, which also suppresses the recombination of photo-generated e – and h + . In addition, the reduction area is significantly increased by the exfoliation of g-C 3 N 4 into thin layers. Due to the synergistic effect of rapid e – transfer and large reduction area, Z-scheme g-C 3 N 4 -AQ-MoO 3 has a high hydrogen production efficiency that can reach 2018 μmol/g with the presence of triethanolamine as a hole sacrificial agent after 180 min of simulated sunlight illumination. This work provides a new strategy to design and develop Z-scheme photocatalytic systems with excellent electron migration rates and high charge separation efficiency.