Synthesis of phosphate-bridged g-C₃N₄/LaFeO₃ nanosheets Z-scheme nanocomposites as efficient visible photocatalysts for CO₂ reduction and malachite green degradation

In this novel study, phosphate bridged p-type LaFeO₃ nanosheets and n-type g-C₃N₄ nanosheets Z-scheme nanocomposites are successfully designed. Herein, our results confirmed that LaFeO₃ nanosheets and g-C₃N₄ nanosheets have excellent performances as compared to nanosized LaFeO₃ and g-C₃N₄ nanoparticles respectively. Based on TEM, HRTEM with elemental mapping, XRD, DRS, XPS, TR-PL, FTIR, TPD, PEC, BET and FS spectra related to •OH amount have confirmed that the fabrication of g-C₃N₄ nanosheets has successfully enhanced the charge separation and enlarged the surface area of LaFeO₃ nanosheets. Correspondingly, the interfacing of phosphate bridge (P-O) with strong shuttling ability worked as linker and facilitator for photogenerated charge transfer and enhancement. In contrast to pristine LaFeO₃ nanosheets (LFONS), the amount optimized resulting 15CNNS-3P-LFONS nanocomposites have 6-fold and 3.5-fold improvement in activities for CO₂ reduction and malachite green degradation respectively. Based on scavenger experiments related to active species and photocatalytic pollutants degradation pathway mechanism, it is confirmed that h⁺ and •O₂^- is the vital species for malachite green degradation. Finally, we believe that our current novel research studies will open a new gateway for the synthesis of p-LaFeO₃ and n-g-C₃N₄ type based Z-scheme and its utilization for energy production and environmental remediation.