Synthesis of phosphate-bridged g-C3N4/LaFeO3 nanosheets Z-scheme nanocomposites as efficient visible photocatalysts for CO2 reduction and malachite green degradation

Abstract In this novel study, phosphate bridged p-type LaFeO3 nanosheets and n-type g-C3N4 nanosheets Z-scheme nanocomposites are successfully designed. Herein, our results confirmed that LaFeO3 nanosheets and g-C3N4 nanosheets have excellent performances as compared to nanosized LaFeO3 and g-C3N4 nanoparticles respectively. Based on TEM, HRTEM with elemental mapping, XRD, DRS, XPS, TR-PL, FTIR, TPD, PEC, BET and FS spectra related to •OH amount have confirmed that the fabrication of g-C3N4 nanosheets has successfully enhanced the charge separation and enlarged the surface area of LaFeO3 nanosheets. Correspondingly, the interfacing of phosphate bridge (P-O) with strong shuttling ability worked as linker and facilitator for photogenerated charge transfer and enhancement. In contrast to pristine LaFeO3 nanosheets (LFONS), the amount optimized resulting 15CNNS-3P-LFONS nanocomposites have 6-fold and 3.5-fold improvement in activities for CO2 reduction and malachite green degradation respectively. Based on scavenger experiments related to active species and photocatalytic pollutants degradation pathway mechanism, it is confirmed that h+ and •O2- is the vital species for malachite green degradation. Finally, we believe that our current novel research studies will open a new gateway for the synthesis of p-LaFeO3 and n-g-C3N4 type based Z-scheme and its utilization for energy production and environmental remediation.