Synthesis of mediator free hollow BiFeO₃ spheres/porous g-C₃N₄ Z-scheme photocatalysts for CO₂ conversion and Alizarin Red S degradation

In this current research work, we fruitfully prepared a mediator-free BiFeO₃ hollow spheres/porous g-C₃N₄ Z-scheme based photocatalysts and utilized it for CO₂ conversion and Alizarin Red S degradation. Remarkably, the porous g-C₃N₄ are prepared by acidic treatment and double calcination method, while BiFeO₃ hollow spheres are prepared by employing carbon nanospheres as hard templates. Our results demonstrated that porosity and hollow spheres efficiently upgraded the surface area, light absorption capacity, and photocatalytic activities of g-C₃N₄ and BiFeO₃. Based on electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), SPS, TEM, FS spectrum associated with the formed ^•OH amount, and UV-absorbance spectra, it is confirmed that coupling of BiFeO₃ hollow spheres with porous g-C₃N₄ not only thermodynamically provide a suitable platform for receiving the high energy level electrons but also enhanced charge separation. Compared to pristine P–CN, the most optimal sample, 6HBFO/P–CN, showed a 3.5-times enhancement in activities for Alizarin Red S decontamination and CO₂ conversion under visible light irradiation. Finally, our present work will open a new gateway to synthesize BiFeO₃ hollow spheres/porous g-C₃N₄ Z-scheme materials as effective photocatalysts for organic contaminants decontamination and CO₂ conversion.