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In this work, a direct Z-scheme Cs2O–Bi2O3–ZnO heterostructure without any electron mediator is fabricated by a simple solution combustion route.

Limited light absorption, inefficient electron–hole separation, and unsuitable positions of conduction band bottom and/or valence band top are three major critical issues associated with high-efficiency photocatalytic water treatment. An attempt has been carried out here to address these issues through the synthesis of direct Z -scheme Cs 2 O–Bi 2 O 3 –ZnO heterostructures via a facile, fast, and economic method: solution combustions synthesis. The photocatalytic performances are examined by the 4-chlorophenol degradation test under simulated sunlight irradiation. UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy analysis, electrochemical impedance test, and the observed transient photocurrent responses prove not only the significant role of Cs 2 O in extending light absorption to visible and near-infrared regions but also its involvement in charge carrier separation. Radical-trapping experiments verify the direct Z -scheme approach followed by the charge carriers in heterostructured Cs 2 O–Bi 2 O 3 –ZnO photocatalysts. The Z -scheme charge carrier pathway induced by the presence of Cs 2 O has emerged as the reason behind the efficient charge carrier separation and high photocatalytic activity.

Solid‐polymer electrolytes (SPEs) in the form of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) doped with various amounts (5, 10, and 15 wt %) of lithium perchlorate trihydrate (LiClO4·3H2O) and 2 wt % cesium copper oxide (Cs2CuO2) nanoparticles were fabricated by a solvent intercalation method. The obtained nanocomposites were evaluated for their chemical structure and microstructural and morphological behaviors via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy methods, respectively. The obtained dielectric behaviors, alternating‐current conductivity, dielectric modulus, and dielectric relaxation of the SPEs depended on the volume fraction of the electrolyte. Linear behavior of the current–voltage characteristics for all of the SPE films was observed with a slight deviation at a higher voltage. The thermal behaviors of the PVA–Cs2CuO2–LiClO4 films were evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. The refractive index, band‐gap energy, and optical dispersion were examined with UV–visible spectroscopy. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45852.

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