Atomic heterojunction-induced electron interaction in P-doped g-C3N4 nanosheets supported V-based nanocomposites for enhanced oxidative desulfurization

The modification of electronic structure in heterogeneous catalysts has been particularly proven as one of efficient approaches for enhancing the catalytic performances in redox. Herein, phosphorus-doped g-C 3 N 4 nanosheets with atomically dispersed V-based nanocomposites (V/P-CN) were fabricated through a facile organophosphonic acid-modified co-condensation route. The use of organophosphonic acid not only achieves the in-situ P-doping but also tailors the texture of the synthesized V/P-CN, leading to narrow band gap, electron-enriched structure, nanosheet morphology, abundant mesh-like pores and enlarged surface area. Series of physicochemical and electrochemical characterizations indicate the enhanced electron transfer from the P-doped g-C 3 N 4 to V-based nanocomposites. The heterojunction-induced electron–enriched structure of V-based nanocomposites in V/P-CN endows with the impressive intrinsic oxidative desulfurization activities. Radical scavenger experiment further suggests the significant electron interaction in the heterojunction catalysts favors the enriched electron dispersion around V-based active species and employs as rate-determining step for oxidative desulfurization. This work offers a facile but economic and powerful method to modulate the structure of the heterojunction catalysts for green catalysis, especially redox reactions.