Construction of dual Z-scheme NiO/NiFe2O4/Fe2O3 photocatalyst via incomplete solid state chemical combustion reactions for organic pollutant degradation with simultaneous hydrogen production

Abstract A dual Z-scheme NiO/NiFe2O4/Fe2O3 photocatalyst is prepared via incomplete solid state chemical combustion reaction of Ni(OH)2 and Fe(OH)3. The formed perfect interfaces between NiO and NiFe2O4 and between NiFe2O4 and Fe2O3 facilitate the transfers of photo-induced electrons. The photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue and simultaneous production of hydrogen was performed to evaluate the activity of the prepared samples. The dual Z-scheme NiO/NiFe2O4/Fe2O3 (600–2) photocatalyst obtained by heat treatment of Ni(OH)2 and Fe(OH)3 at 600 °C for 2.0 h shows an excellent photocatalytic performance. Additionally, the influences of simulated sunlight irradiation time and methylene blue concentration on the photocatalytic reactions are investigated. Besides, the reusability of sample is assessed via four cycle experiments. Further, a possible mechanism on the photocatalytic reaction is proposed. Maybe, this work would provide an ingenious idea for the construction of dual Z-scheme photocatalyst and the exploration for photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants with simultaneous hydrogen production.