In2O3/boron doped g-C3N4 heterojunction catalysts with remarkably enhanced visible-light photocatalytic efficiencies

Novel In2O3/boron doped graphite-like carbon nitride (In2O3/g-C3N4B) heterojunction catalysts were successfully fabricated via a facile water-bath combined with calcination method. The resulting 5% In2O3/g-C3N4 catalyst with a proper In2O3 and B content exhibits excellent visible-light photocatalytic activities. Its conversion ratio for tetracycline hydrochloride (TH) and nitric oxide (NO) is 2.0, 1.9 times higher than that of In2O3/g-C3N4, g-C3N4B, g-C3N4B-R (reference sample), respectively. And its CH4 evolution rate is 9.0, 3.6, 2.2, 2.5 times higher than that of In2O3, g-C3N4, g-C3N4B, g-C3N4B-R, respectively. The remarkably enhanced photocatalytic properties are mainly attributed to the result that an appropriate boron and In2O3 modified the g-C3N4 promoted the efficient separation and transfer of photoinduced electrons and holes from the heterojunction interface by the band alignment between In2O3 and g-C3N4B. The probable mechanism on the activity enhancement was also discussed. Moreover, 5% In2O3/g-C3N4B shows good activity stability as evidenced by three recycling reactions. This work offers some useful insights to design and fabricate other highly efficient and stable g-C3N4-based heterojunction multifunctional materials for energy conversion and environmental restoration applications in the near future.