Constructing Ni${}_3$C/2D g-C${}_3$N${}_4$ photocatalyst and the internal catalytic mechanism study

Developing efficient, highly stable, and cheap photocatalysts are the keys to the industrial application of photocatalytic techniques. For the photocatalytic reactions, how to promote the separating of photogenerated carriers and construct active sites are crucial challenges. Herein, Ni${}_3$C nanoparticles are loaded on 2D g-C${}_3$N${}_4$ as electron-transferring centers. The mechanism of interface charge transfer in the photocatalytic reactions is studied. Benefited from the formed Schottky junction and the special activation effect of Ni${}_3$C/2D g-C${}_3$N${}_4$ owns better separation efficiency of carriers and more active sites to produce ⋅O${}_2$${}^{-}$ and ⋅OH species, which can enhance the photocatalytic activity. Finally, a highest rate of 90.3% for rhodamine B (Rh B) degradation is realized by the optimal proportion of Ni${}_3$C/2D g-C${}_3$N${}_4$. In addition, the increased photocurrent intensity and stronger signals of active species of Ni${}_3$C/2D g-C${}_3$N${}_4$ indicate the dual functions of Ni${}_3$C in both promoting the separation of carriers and the production of the active oxidation species. (© 2021 Wiley‐VCH GmbH)