Constructing interface chemical coupling S-scheme heterojunction MoO3-x@PPy for enhancing photocatalytic oxidative desulfurization performance: Adjusting LSPR effect via oxygen vacancy engineering

Construction of photocatalyst that combines excellent electron transfer and photoresponse capabilities to enhance photocatalytic performance remains a challenging task. In this work, interfacial Mo-N bonds and vacancy engineering collaborative modified MoO3-x@polypyrrole (MP) S-scheme heterojunction is rational designed for efficient photocatalytic oxidative desulfurization. The addition of polypyrrole introduce rich defects which inducing the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect and enhancing light absorption. Furthermore, the combination facilitates the formation of Mo-N bonds. The modifications amplify the built-in electric field and conduct the efficacious separation of photogenerated carriers. With the synergism of LSPR effect and interfacial chemical Mo-N bonds, the optimal MP photocatalyst displays attractive desulfurization rate of 100% for dibenzothiophene (DBT) in 60 min under illumination, touching the objective of ultra-deep desulfurization. The study extends a novel understanding of the impact of LSPR effect and heterojunction interface charge transfer on the photocatalytic desulfurization ability.