RETRACTED: Engineering MPC-Assisted Heterojunctional Photo-Oxidation Tailored by Interfacial Design of a P-Modulated C₃N₄ Heterojunction for Improved Aerobic Alcohol Oxidation

Abstract

The creation of two-dimensional van der Waals (VDW) heterostructures is a sophisticated approach to enhancing photocatalytic efficiency. However, challenges in electron transfer at the interfaces often arise in these heterostructures due to the varied structures and energy barriers of the components involved. This study presents a novel method for constructing a VDW heterostructure by inserting a phosphate group between copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) and borondoped, nitrogen-deficient graphitic carbon nitride (BCN), referred to as Cu/PO 4 -BCN. This phosphate group serves as a charge mediator, enabling effective charge transfer within the heterostructure, thus facilitating electron flow from BCN to CuPc upon activation. As a result, the photogenerated electrons are effectively utilized by the catalytic Cu 2+ core in CuPc, achieving a conversion efficiency of 96% for benzyl alcohol (BA) and a selectivity of 98.8% for benzyl aldehyde (BAD) in the presence of oxygen as the sole oxidant and under illumination. Notably, the production rate of BAD is almost 8 times higher than that observed with BCN alone and remains stable over five cycles. The introduction of interfacial mediators to enhance electron transfer represents a pioneering and efficient strategy in the design of photocatalysts, enabling the proficient transformation of BA into valuable derivatives.

RETRACTED: Dimensionally Intact Construction of Ultrathin S-Scheme CuFe2O4/ZnIn2S4 Heterojunctional Photocatalysts for CO2 Photoreduction

“…The widespread reliance on fossil fuels has significantly contributed to the surge in CO 2 emissions from combustion activities, exacerbating the effects of global warming, including the melting of glaciers and rising sea levels. − Despite the increasing levels of carbon dioxide emissions from anthropogenic sources and the rapid development of renewable energy technologies, − photocatalysis has emerged as a promising avenue for environmental conservation. ,,, However, the efficiency of photocatalytic processes remains a critical challenge. − The seminal investigation by Fujishima and Honda in 1972, demonstrating the ability of TiO 2 single crystals to split water into oxygen and hydrogen, underscored the potential of semiconductor-based photocatalysis to harness solar energy for environmental cleanup and energy transformation, ,,, sparking increased interest in this domain. The effectiveness of a photocatalytic reaction is significantly influenced by the photocatalyst, which is crucial for optimizing solar energy capture. − For semiconductor photocatalysis to be effective, it is imperative for the photocatalyst to have an optimal bandgap to absorb sunlight efficiently, along with appropriate positions for the conduction band and valence band (VB), to endow charge carriers with robust redox potential while maintaining the stability of the catalysts. − Challenges such as the swift recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes, along with limited light-harvesting efficiency, constrain the performance of semiconductor photocatalysts. Moreover, achieving a balance between broad light absorption and robust redox capacity within a single semiconductor photocatalyst often presents a paradox.…”