Design of a α‐Fe2O3/SiC heterojunction to improve photocatalytic performance through a Z-scheme electronic transfer.

A heterostructure α-Fe₂O₃/SiC (FS) was designed by depositing α-Fe₂O₃ nanotubes on the surface of SiC through a facile hydrothermal method. Microstructure and photocatalytic activity of the hybrid were analyzed via various characterization techniques including XRD, TEM, UV–Vis DRS, PL, XPS, and electrochemical tests. The photocatalytic efficiencies of the α-Fe₂O₃/SiC heterojunction, individual SiC, and α-Fe₂O₃ were evaluated by measuring photo-Fenton degradation and photocatalytic hydrogen production. The FS hybrid exhibited a much higher photocatalytic efficiency than the individual ones. The results revealed that the cooperation of α-Fe₂O₃ and SiC led to synergy effects of the two separate semiconductors. The photocatalytic enhancement can be attributed to the strong light-harvesting capability, close contact interface, improved dispersion and predominant (104) active facet exposure of α-Fe₂O₃, as well as efficient electron-hole transfer and separation. The photocatalytic mechanism analysis reveals that the charge-carrier transportation of the α-Fe₂O₃/SiC heterojunction follows a direct Z-scheme preserving the high-energy electrons and holes. The photocatalytic charge-carrier transportation of the constructed α-Fe₂O₃/SiC heterojunction follows a direct Z-scheme preserving the high-energy electrons and holes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]