Construction of a novel surface plasmon resonance enhanced Z-scheme Cu|CuBi2O4/Bi/Bi2O3 photocatalyst film for effective organic pollutant degradation and simultaneous hydrogen evolution

Abstract

In this investigation, we successfully fabricate a Z-scheme Cu|CuBi₂O₄/Bi/Bi₂O₃ photocatalyst film with Bi nanoparticles that exhibit enhanced surface plasmon resonance (SPR) via an incomplete solid-phase reaction. The photocatalyst film achieves the degradation of organic pollutants on one surface while simultaneously enabling hydrogen evolution on the other surface. This design effectively addresses the challenge of recycling powdered photocatalysts. The structure, composition, and properties of the films are analyzed. Techniques used include XRD, SEM, TEM, EDX, XPS, PL, TPR, and EIS. The study examines the impacts of various factors on the photocatalytic performance of the Z-scheme Cu|CuBi₂O₄/Bi/Bi₂O₃ photocatalyst films. These factors include different compositions, calcination time and temperature, and initial substance concentration. The experiment reveals that after the photocatalyst film is calcined at 500 °C for 2.0 h, the degradation rate of methylene blue (MB) through photocatalysis is determined to be 88.6 %. The amount of hydrogen evolution is determined to be 397.32 μmol/dm². The presence of Bi nanoparticles in the Z-scheme Cu|CuBi₂O₄/Bi/Bi₂O₃ photocatalyst film contributes to efficient Z-scheme charge separation and an enhanced SPR effect. This leads to improved performance. Simultaneously, the potential mechanism of the Z-scheme Cu|CuBi₂O₄/Bi/Bi₂O₃ photocatalytic system is elucidated. The photocatalyst film provides significant guidance in controlling organic pollutants and facilitating large-scale hydrogen production.