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-C 3 N 4 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-C 3 N 4 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, SO 4 -• , h + ,•OH, and •O 2 - 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-C 3 N 4 composite material provides a simple and effective strategy for energy utilization and wastewater treatment.