3D/2D MOF-derived CoCeOx/g-C3N4 Z-scheme heterojunction for visible light photocatalysis: Hydrogen production and degradation of carbamazepine

A new MOF-derived CoCeOx nanosphere/g-C3N4 nanosheet composite material with a high specific surface area, compact interface, abundant active sites, and promotion of electron transfer and separation was successfully prepared. The prepared 10% CoCeOx/g-C3N4 composite material generated hydrogen with an efficiency of 1050 µmol g−1 h−1 under visible light irradiation, and 97% of carbamazepine was degraded in 1 h at a degradation rate of 0.05 min−1 with the help of PDS. Based on DFT calculations and mass spectrometry analysis, the degradation products and degradation pathways of carbamazepine were also proposed. According to tests of the photocatalytic properties, SO4-•, h +,•OH, and •O2- were produced by the composite itself; these species play an important role in the degradation. The photocatalytic mechanism was also proposed. The prepared CoCeOx/g-C3N4 composite material provides a simple and effective strategy for energy utilization and wastewater treatment.