Rational design of Pt nanocluster-modified g-C3N4/TiO2 heterojunction with enhanced charge separation for high-efficiency photocatalytic degradation of RhB

Absrtact This study successfully constructs a g-C 3 N 4 /TiO 2 heterojunction and its Pt nanocluster-modified composite (Pt C –CN–TiO 2 ) through an interface engineering strategy, systematically investigating their photocatalytic RhB degradation performance and mechanisms. Under visible light irradiation, Pt C –CN–TiO 2 achieves a RhB degradation efficiency of 99.29 % within 160 min, with a 34.3 % increase in reaction rate constant compared to the Pt-free catalyst. Mechanistic studies reveal that Pt acts as an electron sink, facilitating the generation of ·O 2 − , while inducing interfacial electronic structure renormalization to enhance surface hydroxyl adsorption and oxygen vacancy activity. Cycling experiments confirm its exceptional stability. This work provides novel interface engineering insights and theoretical foundations for designing highly efficient and stable solar-driven photocatalysts.