Na-doped g-C3N4/NiO 2D/2D laminated p–n heterojunction nanosheets toward optimized photocatalytic performance

Abstract

Na-doped g-C₃N₄/NiO 2D/2D laminated p–n heterojunction nanosheets are fabricated by facile calcination and hydrothermal methods. The average thickness of g-C₃N₄ nanosheets is ∼1.388 nm, and the ultrathin structure allows for a high specific surface area and enough surface active sites, increasing the surface reactivity. The flower ball like structure of NiO increases the light utilization rate. Na doping accelerates charge separation and transport by increasing the electrical conductivity. The g-C₃N₄ and NiO nanosheets form 2D/2D laminated structures, and the spherical structure can suppress the agglomeration of 2D nanosheets, which could realize adequate interface contact and form efficient p–n heterojunctions. The p–n heterostructure builds an internal electric field to accelerate spatial charge separation. Under visible light irradiation, the photocatalytic degradation efficiency for ciprofloxacin and the hydrogen production rate of Na-doped g-C₃N₄/NiO are up to 99.0%, and 2299.32 μmol h⁻¹ g⁻¹, respectively, which are several times higher than those of the pristine one. The fabrication strategy for 2D/2D laminated heterojunctions may provide new insights for the preparation of novel laminated photocatalysts with high performance.