Transforming sunlight through ultrasonically engineered ZnO and g-C₃N₄ Z-scheme heterostructure for superior photocatalysis: Experimental and theoretical study
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Issued Date
2024-12-01
Resource Type
ISSN
00255408
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85200643164
Journal Title
Materials Research Bulletin
Volume
180
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Materials Research Bulletin Vol.180 (2024)
Suggested Citation
Fereidooni M., Márquez V., Gholami R., Paz C.V., Villanueva M.S., Kanjanaboos P., Kamjam N., Khan R.A., Praserthdam S., Praserthdam P. Transforming sunlight through ultrasonically engineered ZnO and g-C₃N₄ Z-scheme heterostructure for superior photocatalysis: Experimental and theoretical study. Materials Research Bulletin Vol.180 (2024). doi:10.1016/j.materresbull.2024.113034 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/100444
Title
Transforming sunlight through ultrasonically engineered ZnO and g-C₃N₄ Z-scheme heterostructure for superior photocatalysis: Experimental and theoretical study
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
In this study, we enhanced ZnO photocatalytic activity by synthesizing nanostructures with high aspect ratio of exposed polar facets. Post-synthesis ultrasonication induced morphological reconfiguration, improving optoelectronic properties, charge carrier separation, photocurrent, and shifted the valence band edge potential to higher positive values, providing a heightened overpotential for hydroxyl radical formation. The resulting overpotential for hydroxyl radical formation significantly boosted phenol degradation under UV light. To extend photoresponse, we employed ultrasonication to create a direct Z-scheme heterostructure with gCN, preventing particle aggregation. The S-ZnO/gCN photocatalyst, exhibiting a highly ordered structure, demonstrated superior photocatalytic activity under solar light for phenol degradation. Experimental results showed that increased dissolved oxygen accelerated hydroquinone and catechol formation, enhancing phenol degradation. Experimental results were supported by theoretical calculations. This innovative approach not only improves ZnO photocatalytic activity but also broadens its application to solar light-driven reactions.