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In Situ Irradiated X‐Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy Investigation on a Direct Z‐Scheme TiO 2 /CdS Composite Film Photocatalyst
Author(s) -
Low Jingxiang,
Dai Benzhe,
Tong Tong,
Jiang Chuanjia,
Yu Jiaguo
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
advanced materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 10.707
H-Index - 527
eISSN - 1521-4095
pISSN - 0935-9648
DOI - 10.1002/adma.201802981
Subject(s) - photocatalysis , x ray photoelectron spectroscopy , materials science , nanocomposite , heterojunction , titanium dioxide , chemical engineering , charge carrier , nanotechnology , optoelectronics , composite material , catalysis , chemistry , biochemistry , engineering
Inspired by nature, artificial photosynthesis through the construction of direct Z‐scheme photocatalysts is extensively studied for sustainable solar fuel production due to the effectiveness in enhancing photoconversion efficiency. However, there is still a lack of thorough understanding and direct evidence for the direct Z‐scheme charge transfer in these photocatalysts. Herein, a recyclable direct Z‐scheme composite film composed of titanium dioxide and cadmium sulfide (TiO 2 /CdS) is prepared for high‐efficiency photocatalytic carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) reduction. In situ irradiated X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (ISI‐XPS) confirms the direct Z‐scheme charge‐carrier migration pathway in the photocatalytic system. Furthermore, density functional theory simulation identifies the intrinsic cause for the formation of the direct Z‐scheme heterojunction between the TiO 2 and the CdS. Thanks to the significantly enhanced redox abilities of the charge carriers in the direct Z‐scheme system, the photocatalytic CO 2 reduction performance of the optimized TiO 2 /CdS is 3.5, 5.4, and 6.3 times higher than that of CdS, TiO 2 , and commercial TiO 2 (P25), respectively, in terms of methane production. This work is a valuable guideline in preparation of highly efficient recyclable nanocomposite for photoconversion applications.