Novel Bi₁₂TiO₂₀/g-C₃N₄ composite with enhanced photocatalytic performance through Z-scheme mechanism

Novel Bi₁₂TiO₂₀/g-C₃N₄ composite was successfully prepared with Bi₁₂TiO₂₀ nanoparticles embedded within the fluffy crumpled g-C₃N₄ nanosheets. Bi₁₂TiO₂₀/g-C₃N₄ composites exhibit superior photoactivity and stability. As compared with g-C₃N₄ and Bi₁₂TiO₂₀, the photocatalytic efficiency of Bi₁₂TiO₂₀/g-C₃N₄ is effectively enhanced about 1.8- and 4.9-fold, respectively. Based on the trapping experiment, ^·OH and ^·O₂⁻ radicals are the dominant reactive oxygen species involved in the photocatalytic process. The proposed Z-scheme mechanism of charge transfer markedly promotes the carriers' migration and separation, leading to the enhanced photocatalytic performance.