Synthesis of nanosized Ag-modified 2D/2D hydroxylated g-C₃N₄/TS-1 Z-scheme nanocomposites for efficient photocatalytic CO₂ reduction

It is significant to enhance the charge separation and extend the visible-light range for the TS-1 molecular sieve-based photocatalysts to improve the photocatalytic performance for CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂RR). Here, dimension-matched 2D/2D hydroxylated g-C₃N₄/TS-1 (hCN/TS-1) nanocomposites have been successfully fabricated and further modified by nanosized Ag by the photoreduction method. The optimum Ag-modified hCN/TS-1 exhibits ∼ 7-time CO₂ conversion than that of 2D TS-1. Based on the surface photovoltage responses, monochromatic photocurrent action spectra and electrochemical reduction curves, it is confirmed that the exceptional photoactivity is attributed to the greatly-enhanced charge separation via the Z-scheme mode between hCN and TS-1 at intimately-connected interfaces, extended visible-light absorption endowed by hCN, and Ag nanoparticles as the effective electron capturers with favorable catalytic function for activating CO₂ molecules. This work showcases an effective and feasible design strategy to fabricate highly effective TS-1 molecular sieve-based photocatalysts for practical application.