A simple, scalable approach for combining carbon dots with hexagonal nanoplates of nickel-based compounds for efficient photocatalytic reduction

Hybrid nanostructures comprising disparate materials and having intricate shapes and facets are highly desired in photocatalytic applications requiring high selectivity. However, to produce such structures requires precise morphological control, and this is largely dictated by the stringent requirements of the reaction conditions, in addition to intricate, expensive, or tedious preparation steps. We present a simple, inexpensive, and scalable method for the preparation of hybrid nanostructures that combines carbon dots with hexagonal nanoplates of nickel-based compounds. The resultant heterostructure not only improves visible light absorption, but also exhibits enhanced photocatalytic activity for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol when compared to carbon dots or hexagonal nanoplates of nickel-based compounds alone. The enhanced photocatalytic activity is due to the higher separation and transfer efficiency of photoexcited charge carriers at the interface between the carbon dot and hexagonal nanoplate of nickel-based compounds. This work opens up a straightforward and effective route to yield inexpensive and efficient photocatalysts for improved solar energy capture and conversion.