Porous g-C3N4/TiO2 S-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst for visible-light driven H2-production and simultaneous wastewater purification

In this work, photocatalysts with a novel S-scheme heterojunction were fabricated by coupling MOF-derived TiO2 with porous g-C3N4 (MTO/PCN). The S-scheme heterojunction with matching band gap possesses different advantageous properties, which can not only inhibit photo-generated charge recombination, but also reserve outstanding redox ability. As expected, superior hydrogen evolution efficiency of 40-MTO/PCN was obtained in a TEOA-containing aqueous solution and pure water, which were 5252.9 and 974.6 μmol h−1 g−1, respectively. Meanwhile, the hybrid can also serve as a bifunctional catalyst for H2 generation (2137.3 μmol h−1 g−1) and organic contaminant removal (the RhB purification efficiency: 35.24%). This work furnishes a feasible method for devising bifunctional photocatalysts that can simultaneously produce hydrogen and purify wastewater to provide both energy-saving and environmental restoration functions.