Metallic WO2-decorated g-C3N4 nanosheets as noble-metal-free photocatalysts for efficient photocatalysis

The introduction of a metallic cocatalyst is good strategy for achieving high carrier density and absorbing photons under wide-spectrum illumination. Herein, WO2/g-C3N4 nanocomposites were designed synthesized the first time using simple calcination method to enhance photocatalytic performance. exhibited significant properties: visible light irradiation, 4 wt% an RhB degradation 96% in 120 min. Meanwhile, H2 production rate WO2/g-C3N4/3 Pt was 2436.9 μmol g−1 h−1, which 2.55 6.18 times higher than that 3 Pt/g-C3N4 (956.35 h−1) WO2/g-C3N4, respectively. Experimental tests functional theory calculations reveal WO2 exhibits metal-like performance with narrow bandgap capture electrons hinders recombination photogenerated charge carriers at interface WO2/g-C3N4. Our study provides new perspective rational design cocatalysts/semiconductors highly efficient properties.