Work

In Situ Engineering of Two-Dimensional Heterostructures for Enhanced Photocatalytic Decontamination of Methyl Orange

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Two-dimensional (2D)/2D heterostructured catalysts have garnered significant attention in photocatalytic environmental remediation due to their relevance in optoelectronic, as well as solar energy conversion systems. However, fast photocarrier separation of 2D/2D heterojunctions, made from the stacking of different layered materials through strong chemical bonds rather than weak van der Waals interactions, remains an unmet challenge. To address this, herein, a generation of 2D/2D p–n heterojunction photocatalysts, composed of BiOCl and HMo x Nb 3 – x O 8 nanosheets, was fabricated via in situ chemical absorption and hydrolysis strategies. This close heterojunction interface enhanced the separation and migration of photoinduced electron–hole (e – –h + ) pairs. As a result, the prepared ultrathin BiOCl/HMo x Nb 3– x O 8 heterostructure catalysts demonstrated superior photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange (MO) under UV–visible light, with the optimized photocatalysts (BiOCl/NbMo –10 ) achieving MO removal efficiencies 2.94 and 2.22 times greater than those of pristine BiOCl and NbMo –10 materials, respectively. Further, hydroxyl radicals (·OH), positive holes (h + ), and superoxide anions (·O 2 – ) were also confirmed to play key roles in MO removal within the photocatalytic system. This work offers insights into the rational design and in situ construction of high-performance 2D/2D heterojunction photocatalysts for environmental remediation.

Source: ACS Applied Engineering Materials

DOI: 10.1021/acsaenm.5c00134