Hierarchical LaTiO2N/Sn3O4 heterojunction with intimate interface contact for enhanced photocatalytic water splitting

LaTiO2N/Sn3O4 heterojunction with type-II band structure and hierarchical microstructure was constructed by decorating Sn3O4 nanoflowers and nanoflakes intimately on the surface of LaTiO2N nanosheets via a facile hydrothermal method. Compared with pure Sn3O4 and bare LaTiO2N, the photocatalytic H-2 evolution activity for LaTiO2N/Sn3O4 heterostructure was boosted by similar to 3 and similar to 52 times, respectively, reaching 887 mu mol<middle dot>h(-1)<middle dot>g(cat)(-1). The mechanism for the elevated photocatalytic performance was systematically disclosed on the basis of comprehensive characterizations. Specifically, the introduced LaTiO2N extended the visible light absorption range to similar to 600 nm, endowing Sn3O4 with more photogenerated charge carriers. Subsequently, the type-II band structure expedited the separation and migration of charge carriers, diminishing the internal recombination, thereby enhancing the photocatalytic activity. This work affords a new avenue for designing tin oxide-based and oxynitrides-based heterojunction.