Integration of Au nanoparticles with a g-C3N4 based heterostructure: switching charge transfer from type-II to Z-scheme for enhanced visible light photocatalysis

Abstract

Here, we demonstrate that a type-II g-C₃N₄ nanosheet (CNNS)/W₁₈O₄₉ heterostructure composite can be switched to Z-scheme through the deposition of Au nanoparticles (NPs) on the surface of CNNS. As a direct result, the designed Au/CNNS/W₁₈O₄₉ heterostructure shows enhanced photocatalytic performance for Cr(VI) reduction than the CNNS/W₁₈O₄₉ heterostructure and single components (CNNS and W₁₈O₄₉) under visible light irradiation.