Hollow g-C3N4@Cu0.5In0.5S Core-Shell S-Scheme Heterojunction Photothermal Nanoreactors with Broad-Spectrum Response and Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance

Abstract

Improving spectral utilization and carrier separation efficiency is a key point in photocatalysis research. Herein, we prepare hollow g-C3N4 nanospheres by the template method and synthesize a g-C3N4@Cu0.5In0.5S core-shell S-scheme photothermal nanoreactor by a simple chemical deposition method. The unique hollow core-shell structure of g-C3N4@Cu0.5In0.5S is beneficial to expand the spectral absorption range and improving photon utilization. At the same time, the photogenerated carriers can be separated, driven by the internal electric field. In addition, g-C3N4@Cu0.5In0.5S also has a significantly enhanced photothermal effect, which promotes the photocatalytic reaction by increasing the temperature of the reactor. The benefit from the synergistic effect of light and heat, the H2 evolution rate of g-C3N4@Cu0.5In0.5S is as high as 2325.68 μmol h−1 g−1, and the degradation efficiency of oxytetracycline under visible light is 95.7%. The strategy of combining S-scheme heterojunction with photothermal effects provides a promising insight for the development of an efficient photocatalytic reaction.