Constructing a robust built-in electric field via adjusting the charge distribution from surface-to-bulk of phosphorus and benzene ring co-doped C3N5 for enhanced photocatalytic performance

Abstract

The built-in electric field (BIEF) aroused by the variation in charge distribution between the surface and bulk phase of carbon nitride can improve carrier dynamics. Herein, phosphorus (P) and benzene ring-doped C₃N₅ nanosheets (PPCN₂) were synthesized by a facile method and demonstrated excellent performance in the photocatalytic degradation of antibiotics. Benzene ring replaced the triazine part of the heptazine unit, expanding the π-conjugated structure of the system, promoting electron delocalization, and enhancing the light-absorbing property. P doping led to the creation of an additional donor state within the P 2p band, facilitating the charge separation and lengthening the transport distance of electron-hole pairs. Additionally, the intermediate state gap created in the Urbach tail further strengthened photon absorption and improved effective electron capture. XPS with Ar ion etching at different depths verified the significant potential difference and large dipole moment caused by different doping levels of surface and bulk phase, resulting in a strong BIEF inside the PPCN₂. KPFM, SPV, and DFT calculations confirmed the strong BIEF in PPCN₂. EPR, rotating disk electrode (RRDE) and in situ infrared drift (DRIFT) spectroscopy confirmed the reactive oxygen species and the two-step one-electron reduction reaction mechanism during the photodegradation process. This work provides a new perspective for the study of improving the photocatalytic performance of C₃N₅ by inducing the BIEF which arose from the differences in electronic structure and charge distribution on the surface and bulk phase caused by molecular doping.