Self-generating CoFe2O4 as electric channel in Z-scheme CoO(111)/CoFe2O4/Fe2O3 photocatalyst for synchronous photocatalytic degradation and hydrogen production

Semiconductor photocatalysis is a promising technology in environmental protection and renewable energy production. In this work, a novel Z-scheme CoO(111)/CoFe2O4/Fe2O3 photocatalyst with a highly active surface is successfully synthesized via solid state reaction (SSR) method and then is used to realize the synchronous photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B and H2 production under sunlight irradiation. The as-prepared Z-scheme CoO(111)/CoFe2O4/Fe2O3 photocatalyst heated at 450 °C for 2.0 h displays an excellent photocatalytic activity. It can be attributed to the generation of adequate amount of CoFe2O4 between CoO(111) and Fe2O3, which can be regarded as an effective electric channel to accelerate the electron migration from conduction band of Fe2O3 to valence band of CoO. Furthermore, the agglomerated electrons on the exposed (111) active facet of CoO can reduce the H+ to generate hydrogen. Under the same conditions, within four periods the Z-scheme CoO(111)/CoFe2O4/Fe2O3 photocatalyst still shows the outstanding photocatalytic activity and extraordinary photo-stability. Moreover, a related mechanism on the synchronous photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B and H2 production under sunlight irradiation over the Z-scheme CoO(111)/CoFe2O4/Fe2O3 photocatalyst is presented. Perhaps, this present work can offer an idea for highly efficient hydrogen production utilizing organic pollutants. [Display omitted] •CoFe2O4 between CoO(111) and Fe2O3 can be generated as conductive channel.•Z-scheme CoO(111)/CoFe2O4/Fe2O3 photocatalyst is prepared via solid phase reaction.•Redox reaction inside CoFe2O4 accelerates electron transfer from Fe2O3 to CoO(111).•Electron-hole is separated well in Z-scheme CoO(111)/CoFe2O4/Fe2O3 photocatalyst.•Active (111) facet can agglomerate electrons to effectively produce hydrogen.