Showing papers on "Photocatalysis published in 2021"
TL;DR: Wang et al. as mentioned in this paper constructed 2D carbon nitride nanosheets with varying levels of boron dopants and nitrogen defects, which can act as either H2 or O2-evolving photocatalysts.
Abstract: Photocatalytic overall water splitting can be achieved using Z-scheme systems that mimic natural photosynthesis by combining dissimilar semiconductors in series. However, coupling well-suited H2- and O2-evolving components remains challenging. Here, we fabricate a Z-scheme system for photocatalytic overall water splitting based on boron-doped, nitrogen-deficient carbon nitride two-dimensional (2D) nanosheets. We prepare ultrathin carbon nitride nanosheets with varying levels of boron dopants and nitrogen defects, which leads to nanosheets that can act as either H2- or O2-evolving photocatalysts. Using an electrostatic self-assembly strategy, the nanosheets are coupled to obtain a 2D/2D polymeric heterostructure. Owing to their ultrathin nanostructures, strong interfacial interaction and staggered band alignment, a Z-scheme route for efficient charge-carrier separation and transfer is realized. The obtained heterostructure achieves stoichiometric H2 and O2 evolution in the presence of Pt and Co(OH)2 co-catalysts, and the solar-to-hydrogen efficiency reaches 1.16% under one-sun illumination. Splitting water using suspensions of particulate carbon nitride-based photocatalysts may be a cheap way to produce hydrogen, but efficiencies have remained low. Now, Shen and colleagues use doped carbon nitride-based Z-scheme heterostructures to split water with a solar-to-hydrogen efficiency of 1.1% in the presence of metal-based co-catalysts.
632 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a solvent evaporation induced self-assembly method was employed to prepare a novel S-scheme heterojunction composite by combining sulfur-doped porous graphite carbon nitride (S-pCN) with tungsten oxide (WO2.72) semiconductors which manifest effective interface contact and excellent photocatalytic performance.
404 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4), with a moderate band gap (∼2.7 eV), high chemical and thermal stability, has been the hotspot in environmental photocatalysis.
Abstract: Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4), with a moderate band gap (∼2.7 eV), high chemical and thermal stability, has been the hotspot in environmental photocatalysis. However, its performance is still u...
328 citations
310 citations
01 May 2021
TL;DR: A robust antimony single-atom photocatalyst (Sb-SAPC, single Sb atoms dispersed on carbon nitride) for the synthesis of H2O2 in a simple water and oxygen mixture under visible light irradiation was achieved in this article.
Abstract: Artificial photosynthesis offers a promising strategy to produce hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)—an environmentally friendly oxidant and a clean fuel. However, the low activity and selectivity of the two-electron oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in the photocatalytic process greatly restricts the H2O2 production efficiency. Here we show a robust antimony single-atom photocatalyst (Sb-SAPC, single Sb atoms dispersed on carbon nitride) for the synthesis of H2O2 in a simple water and oxygen mixture under visible light irradiation. An apparent quantum yield of 17.6% at 420 nm together with a solar-to-chemical conversion efficiency of 0.61% for H2O2 synthesis was achieved. On the basis of time-dependent density function theory calculations, isotopic experiments and advanced spectroscopic characterizations, the photocatalytic performance is ascribed to the notably promoted two-electron ORR by forming μ-peroxide at the Sb sites and highly concentrated holes at the neighbouring N atoms. The in situ generated O2 via water oxidation is rapidly consumed by ORR, leading to boosted overall reaction kinetics. Hydrogen peroxide is an interesting target for artificial photosynthesis, although its actual production via the two-electron oxygen reduction reaction remains limited. Now, a carbon nitride-supported antimony single atom photocatalyst has been developed with a superior performance for this process.
308 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors reported the sonochemical synthesis of DBNO NC (dysprosium nickelate nanocomposite) using metal nitrates and core almond as a capping agent.
Abstract: The present work reports the sonochemical synthesis of DBNO NC (dysprosium nickelate nanocomposite) using metal nitrates and core almond as a capping agent. In addition, the effects of the power of ultrasound irradiation were investigated. The BaDy2NiO5/Dy2O3 and BaDy2NiO5/NiO nanocomposites were synthesized with sonication powers of 50 and 30 W, respectively. The agglomerated nanoparticles were obtained using different sonication powers, including 15, 30, and 50 W. The results showed that upon increasing the sonication power, the particle size decreased. After characterization, the optical, electrical, magnetic, and photocatalytic properties of the NC were studied. The nanocomposites showed an antiferromagnetic behavior. In this study, the photocatalytic degradations of two dyes, AR14 and AB92, were investigated in the presence of DBNO NC. Furthermore, the effects of the amount of photocatalyst, the concentration of the dye solution, the type of organic dye, and light irradiation on the photocatalytic activity of the nanocomposite were studied. The results showed that with an increasing amount of catalyst and decreasing concentration of dye, the photocatalytic activity of the nanocomposite was increased. This activity for the degradation of AR14 is higher than that of AB92. Both AR14 and AB92 dyes show higher photocatalytic degradation under UV irradiation than under Vis irradiation.
300 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a step-scheme core-shell TiO2 @ZnIn2 S4 heterojunction was designed for photocatalytic CO2 reduction. But the performance of the optimized sample was limited by the large specific surface areas and abundant active sites.
Abstract: Reasonable design of efficient hierarchical photocatalysts has gained significant attention. Herein, a step-scheme (S-scheme) core-shell TiO2 @ZnIn2 S4 heterojunction is designed for photocatalytic CO2 reduction. The optimized sample exhibits much higher CO2 photoreduction conversion rates (the sum yield of CO, CH3 OH, and CH4 ) than the blank control, i.e., ZnIn2 S4 and TiO2 . The improved photocatalytic performance can be attributed to the inhibited recombination of photogenerated charge carriers induced by S-scheme heterojunction. The improvement is also attributed to the large specific surface areas and abundant active sites. Meanwhile, S-scheme photogenerated charge transfer mechanism is testified by in situ irradiated X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, work function calculation, and electron paramagnetic resonance measurements. This work provides an effective strategy for designing highly efficient heterojunction photocatalysts for conversion of solar fuels.
291 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a series of sulfur-doped g-C3N4 (SCN)/TiO2 S-scheme photocatalysts were synthesized using electrospinning and calcination methods.
281 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a dual Z-scheme advanced photocatalyst g-C3N4/Bi4Ti3O12)/Bi4O5I2 was proposed for coupled photocatalytic H2 evolution and degradation of antibiotics with high efficiency.
Abstract: Inspired by waste to energy production, we report construction of dual Z-scheme advanced photocatalyst g-C3N4/Bi4Ti3O12/Bi4O5I2 heterojunction for coupled photocatalytic H2 evolution and degradation of antibiotics with high efficiency. The optimal CTBT-30 i.e (40 %g-C3N4/Bi4Ti3O12)/30 % Bi4O5I2 photocatalyst exhibited an excellent rate of H2 production under visible light (56.2 mmol g−1 h−1) along with simultaneous 87.1 % ofloxacin (OFL) removal. The H2 production rate is manifolds higher than in ultrapure water, sulfadiazine, rhodamine B and higher in hole scavenging triethanolamine. The interfacial intimate coupling with well-matched energy bands, foster the charge separation with effective Z-scheme transfer facilitated by I3−/I− and Bi3+/Bi5+ and redox mediators. The scavenging of majority of holes for direct oxidation or via OH radical formation leaves photogenerated electrons (at CB of g-C3N4 and Bi4O5I2) free for H2 evolution from H2O. Such work is promising for designing high photo-absorbing heterojunction photocatalysts for dual functionalities of clean energy production and environmental detoxification.
245 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a series of polydopamine-modified TiO2 hollow spheres were fabricated by in situ self-polymerization of dopamine to systematically investigate the effect of PDA wrapping on the photocatalytic CO2 reduction activities.
Abstract: Photocatalytic CO2 conversion into solar fuels has been a promising strategy to utilize abundant solar energy and alleviate greenhouse effect. Herein, a series of polydopamine-modified TiO2 (TiO2@PDA) hollow spheres were fabricated by in situ self-polymerization of dopamine to systematically investigate the effect of PDA wrapping on the photocatalytic CO2 reduction activities of TiO2. Among all TiO2@PDA composite photocatalysts, the highest value of methane yield (1.50 μmol h−1 g−1) was achieved with 0.5 % PDA, which was 5 times than that of pure TiO2 (0.30 μmol h−1 g−1). The improvement of photocatalytic activity and methane selectivity was ascribed to the enhanced light absorption, promoted CO2 adsorption capacity, increased reduction power of photogenerated electrons, as well as efficient separation and transfer of photogenerated charge carriers induced by the S-scheme heterojunction between TiO2 and PDA. This work provides a facile surface modification method with cost-effective polymer materials in photocatalytic CO2 conversion.
243 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a review of nitrogen-doped graphene (NG) is presented, which summarizes in situ and ex situ synthesis methods, highlights the mechanism and advantages of NG in photocatalysis, and outlines its applications in different photocATalysis directions (primarily hydrogen production, CO2 reduction, pollutant degradation and as photoactive ingredient).
Abstract: Solving energy and environmental problems through solar-driven photocatalysis is an attractive and challenging topic. Hence, various types of photocatalysts have been developed successively to address the demands of photocatalysis. Graphene-based materials have elicited considerable attention since the discovery of graphene. As a derivative of graphene, nitrogen-doped graphene (NG) particularly stands out. Nitrogen atoms can break the undifferentiated structure of graphene and open the bandgap while endowing graphene with an uneven electron density distribution. Therefore, NG retains nearly all the advantages of original graphene and is equipped with several novel properties, ensuring infinite possibilities for NG-based photocatalysis. This review introduces the atomic and band structures of NG, summarizes in situ and ex situ synthesis methods, highlights the mechanism and advantages of NG in photocatalysis, and outlines its applications in different photocatalysis directions (primarily hydrogen production, CO2 reduction, pollutant degradation, and as photoactive ingredient). Lastly, the central challenges and possible improvements of NG-based photocatalysis in the future are presented. This study is expected to learn from the past and achieve progress toward the future for NG-based photocatalysis.
TL;DR: In this paper, the degradation of tetracycline (TC) under visible-light irradiation in the presence of persulfate (PS) activation was investigated by a simple one-step thermal polymerization of urea and oxamide.
TL;DR: Li et al. as mentioned in this paper designed the shell-thickness-controlled Ni3C@Ni/g-C3N4 photocatalysts with intimate Schottky-junctions by an in situ high-temperature transformation strategy.
Abstract: Herein, we designed the shell-thickness-controlled Ni3C@Ni/g-C3N4 photocatalysts with intimate Schottky-junctions by an in situ high-temperature transformation strategy. Meanwhile, we found that the cocatalysts with optimized Ni shell-layer thickness of 15 nm could achieve the best visible-light photocatalytic H2-production performance of 11.28 μmolh−1, with an apparent quantum yield (AQY) of 1.49 % at 420 nm, which was 16 times higher than that of Ni3C/g-C3N4. Moreover, an excellent stability is achieved. The well-defined density functional theory (DFT) calculations indicate that the “TOP_C1” sites of Ni3C@Ni can exhibit the H adsorption and Gibbs free energies of -0.07eV and 0.18 eV, respectively, which should be hydrogen-evolution active sites instead of two “HOLLOW” sites. Interestingly, the intimate Schottky-junctions, could hinder rapid charge recombination, increase reactive sites, boost catalytic kinetics and passivate unstable surface of Ni3C, thus achieving shell-thickness-dependent hydrogen evolution. Therefore, the Ni3C@Ni core–shell cocatalysts will open a new avenue for robust solar fuel production.
TL;DR: In this article, a review of recent work on heterojunction formation (type-II and direct Z-scheme) to achieve the bandgap for extended visible light absorption and improved charge carrier separation for efficient photocatalytic efficiency is presented.
TL;DR: In this article, a step-scheme BiVO4/Ag3VO4 composite was synthesized via a hydrothermal and chemical deposition process for the degradation of methylene blue.
TL;DR: In this paper, the degradation rate constant and TOC removal efficiency of TC−HCl in 120 min over the Co/V-g-C3N4-2 sample run up to 4.00 and 2.45 times as much as that of g-C 3N4, respectively.
Abstract: The photocatalytic activity of bimetallic co-doped g-C3N4 can be boosted dramatically, whereas the enhanced mechanisms essentially have been rarely revealed. Here, the prepared Co/V co-doped g-C3N4 significantly enhances the photocatalytic activity. The degradation rate constant and TOC removal efficiency of TC−HCl in 120 min over the Co/V-g-C3N4-2 sample run up to 4.00 and 2.45 times as much as that of g-C3N4, respectively. The outstanding photocatalytic performance is attributed to the improved charge separation efficiency and visible-light harvest ability. The density functional theory (DFT) investigations reveal the incorporation of Co/V into g-C3N4 can induce the bimetallic synergetic regulating effect on electronic structure, which results in improving the physical, optical and photoelectrochemical properties. Moreover, the significant degradation intermediates, pathway and mechanism of TC−HCl, and charge transfer behaviors are also discussed in depth. This work provides a meritorious instance to design and synthesize new bimetallic co-doped g-C3N4 materials in the photocatalytic application field.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors suggest ways to overcome the limitations of adsorption and photocatalysis treatment methods by reviewing previous applications of metal organic frameworks (MOFs) to antibiotic adsorptions and photodegradation.
TL;DR: Actiniae-like carbon nitride bundles are synthesized based on the pyrolysis of an asymmetric supramolecular precursor prepared from L-arginine and melamine to theorize the mechanism of water splitting and phenylcarbinol oxidation and hope that it provides inspiration for simultaneous utilization of photogenerated electrons and holes in one system.
Abstract: Rational design of photocatalysts with multiple functions, including organic synthesis and water-splitting, is promising and challenging. Herein, we synthesized actiniae-like carbon nitride (ACN) bundles based on the pyrolysis of an asymmetric supramolecular precursor prepared from L-arginine (L-Arg) and melamine. ACN has adjustable band gaps (2.25 eV ~ 2.75 eV) and hollow microtubes with ultrathin pore walls, which enrich reaction sites, improve visible-light absorption and enhance charge separation. In the presence of phenylcarbinol, ACN exhibited excellent pure water-splitting ability (95.3 μmol/h) and in the meanwhile phenylcarbinol was selectively oxidized to benzaldehyde (conversion of 90.9%, selectivity of 99.7%) under solar irradiation. For the concurrent reactions, 2 D isotope labeling, separation and detection were conducted to confirm that the proton source of released hydrogen is water. Further, we theorized the mechanism of water splitting and phenylcarbinol oxidation and hope that it provides inspiration for simultaneous utilization of photogenerated electrons and holes in one system.
TL;DR: In this paper, nitrogen doped g-C3N4 (NCN) with the extremely narrow band gap was prepared and applied for the photodegradation of phenols, which enhanced the absorption of visible light and further promoted the photocatalytic activity.
Abstract: In this work, nitrogen doped g-C3N4 (NCN) with the extremely narrow band gap was prepared and applied for the photodegradation of phenols. Experiments and DFT (the density functional theory) computation identified that N-doping introduced in the g-C3N4 matrix by substituting C atoms. DFT, PL (photoluminescence) spectra, optical property characteristic and PEC (photoelectrochemical) indicated that NCN possess extremely narrow band gap, efficient photogenerated carrier separation and the charge transfer, which enhanced the absorption of visible light and further promoted the photocatalytic activity. As a result, NCN(2:2) showed about twice higher photodegradation efficiencies and 3 times rate constant than pristine g-C3N4. The radical trapping experiments showed that •O2- radical and h+ served as crucial active species during the whole photodegradation reaction. This work can provide a strategy to enhance the photocatalytic activity of photocatalysts via introduce foreign atoms in matrix.
TL;DR: In this paper, a hierarchical structure ZnIn2S4@PCN-224 via a solvothermal method is employed to establish a novel hierarchical structured ZnS4-based photocatalysis, which has a hydrogen production rate of 0.284 mmol h−1.
Abstract: As a typical member of sulfide family, ZnIn2S4 bears impressive activity in photocatalysis. Nonetheless, egregious recombination of photo-excited electron and hole pairs confines its practical usage. In this study, PCN-224, a metal organic framework (MOF) composed of porphyrin linkers and Zr clusters, is employed to establish a novel hierarchical structured ZnIn2S4@PCN-224 via a solvothermal method. These as-prepared composites are further evaluated by visible-light-driven photocatalysis and able to present steady performance. The optimized ZnIn2S4@PCN-224 has a hydrogen production rate of 0.284 mmol h−1 in absence of Pt, higher than many contrastive ZnIn2S4-based photocatalysts even in assistance of Pt cocatalyst. Besides, it is able to dominate the degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH), giving 99.9 % pollutant removal within 60 min, about 4.7 times higher than that catalyzed by ZnIn2S4. It is supposed that the great improvement in photocatalysis is ascribable to the establishment of Z-scheme junction between ZnIn2S4 and PCN-224.
TL;DR: In this article, an overview on employing sonophotocatalysis for the removal of toxic organic contaminants from aqueous environments is provided, and the limitations of photocatalysis alone and the fundamental sonophotonocatalytic mechanistic pathways are discussed.
TL;DR: In this article, the edge decoration effect of pyridine rings on carbon nitride (CN) has been investigated and shown to improve the photocatalytic HER rate of 2AP-CN-15.
Abstract: Intramolecular doping of conjugated nitrogen heterocycles in carbon nitride (CN) has been used to promote charge separation, but it also causes recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes due to their in-plane non-directional transfer. Herein, it achieves the dual regulation of adjusting electron hybridization structure and electron directional transfer from centre to edge of CN by grafting pyridine rings on the edge of CN framework, which effectively drives separation and avoids recombination of photogenerated carriers in plane. The photocatalytic HER rate of up to 6317.5 μmol g−1 h−1 is obtained over the optimum 2AP-CN-15 sample, which has 3.9-fold increase over primal CN. Moreover, the apparent quantum efficiency of HER reaches up to 20.1 % at 420 nm. This work performs an essential insight into edge decoration effect of pyridine rings on CN, which affords a new guidance for the modification of CN-like materials with conjugated nitrogen heterocycles for high-efficiency photocatalytic application.
TL;DR: In this paper, black anatase-TiO2 was demonstrated to be an effective catalyst for tetracycline (TC) visible light photodegradation, achieving 66.2% removal efficiency over black TiO2 under visible light illumination.
TL;DR: In this article, a comprehensive review highlights the recent advances in CO2 photoreduction, including critical challenges such as light-harvesting, charge separation, and activation of CO2 molecules.
Abstract: Photocatalytic production of solar fuels from CO2 is a promising strategy for addressing global environmental problems and securing future energy supplies. Although extensive research has been conducted to date, numerous impediments to realizing efficient, selective, and stable CO2 reduction have yet to be overcome. This comprehensive review highlights the recent advances in CO2 photoreduction, including critical challenges such as light-harvesting, charge separation, and the activation of CO2 molecules. We present promising strategies for enhancing the photocatalytic activities and discuss theoretical insights and equations for quantifying photocatalytic performance, which are expected to afford a fundamental understanding of CO2 photoreduction. We then provide a thorough overview of both traditional photocatalysts such as metal oxides and state-of-the-art catalysts such as metal–organic frameworks and 2D materials, followed by a discussion of the origin of carbon in CO2 photoreduction as a means to further understand the reaction mechanism. Finally, we discuss the economic viability of photocatalytic CO2 reduction before concluding the review with proposed future research directions.
TL;DR: In this paper, a new type of photocatalysts, Au nanodots@thiol-UiO-66@ZnIn2S4 nanosheets (Au@UiOS@ZIS), is elaborately designed for the photocatallytic H2 evolution from water splitting, where Au nano-nodots (NDs) are anchored in the pore space of thiol-functionalized UiO66 metal-organic framework (MOF).
Abstract: Herein, a new type of photocatalysts, Au nanodots@thiol-UiO-66@ZnIn2S4 nanosheets (Au@UiOS@ZIS), is elaborately designed for the photocatalytic H2 evolution from water splitting, where Au nanodots (NDs) are anchored in the pore space of thiol-functionalized UiO66 metal-organic framework (MOF) and ZnIn2S4 nanosheets are wrapped around the UiO66 MOF containing Au NDs. It is found that the different Au positions have a grateful effect on the transfer of photogenerated charge carriers. In Au@UiOS@ZIS, the photoexcited electrons transfers from ZnIn2S4 to UiOS and then to Au NDs, establishing a smooth transmission channel of electrons. As expected, the optimal sample (Au4@UiOS@ZIS40) presents a high photocatalytic H2 production rate of 391.6 μmol/h (10 mg of catalyst) under visible light irradiation, which is 435.1, 61.2 and 10.2 times higher than that of the pure UiOS, ZnIn2S4 and UiOS@ZIS, respectively.
TL;DR: In this article, a 2D/2D BiOBr/g-C3N4 heterojunctions were successfully obtained by a convenient in situ self-assembly route.
TL;DR: This study synthesized a hollow tubular CN isotype heterojunction with high visible-light photocatalytic performance and provided a theoretical basis for CN isotypes heterojunctions.
TL;DR: In this article, both CuO nanoparticles and ZnO nanorods were anchored on thermally-exfoliated g-C3N4 nanosheets via isoelectric point-mediated annealing process as a novel nano-photocatalyst towards degradation of amoxicillin (AMOX).
Abstract: In this study, both CuO nanoparticles and ZnO nanorods were anchored on thermally-exfoliated g-C3N4 nanosheets (denoted as CZ@T-GCN) via isoelectric point-mediated annealing process as a novel nano-photocatalyst towards degradation of amoxicillin (AMOX). The features of prepared materials were characterized using BET, UV–vis DRS, XRD, FT-IR, XPS, FE-SEM, TEM, EIS and transient photocurrent techniques. These analyses demonstrated the successful formation of heterojunctions between components of CZ@T-GCN nanocomposite, which reflected in significantly increased electron-hole separation and enhanced degradation of AMOX as compared with pure substances. The investigation of influential operative parameters confirmed that the complete removal of AMOX could be attained under catalytic dosage of 0.9 g L−1 and pH of 7.0 within 120 min simulated sunlight illumination. Generation of OH upon illumination of catalysts was verified by terephthalic acid photoluminescence (TPA-PL) spectroscopy. Also, trapping tests proved that OH and O2 − were the major reactive radicals in AMOX decontamination. A novel double Z-scheme mechanism as well as a tentative pathway for fractionation of AMOX by CZ@T-GCN photocatalytic system were proposed in details. Only a marginal decrease in photocatalytic activity occurred after 5 consecutive tests. In an attempt to study the industrial applicability of catalyst, more than 79 % COD and 63 % TOC were eliminated under optimum conditions during 120 min illumination and the biodegradability of treated wastewater was also improved.
TL;DR: In this paper, a hybrid catalyst CdS/Ag2S/NiS is synthesized via hydrothermal and photodeposition methods, which shows a drastically elevated hydrogen production rate of 48.3 mmol g−1 h−1 under visible light.
Abstract: Cocatalysts play an indispensable role in photocatalytic H2 production via water splitting for the conversion of solar energy into storable chemical energy. Herein, the hybrid catalyst CdS/Ag2S/NiS is synthesized via hydrothermal and photodeposition methods. CdS/Ag2S/NiS shows a drastically elevated hydrogen production rate of 48.3 mmol g−1 h−1 under visible light due to the combined merits of the Schottky junction between CdS and metal-like Ag2S and the constructed p–n junction between CdS and NiS. Time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy and photochemical tests reveal the accelerated charge transfer and significantly reduced electron–hole pair recombination. Further investigation with in-situ surface photovoltage imaging technology demonstrates that the reduction cocatalyst Ag2S and oxidation cocatalyst NiS can serve as photogenerated electron and hole traps, respectively. This research not only provides insight into designing high-efficiency photocatalyst for hydrogen production but also utilize a brand new method for the confirmation of charge–carrier migration pathways.
TL;DR: In this paper, a 3-ZAC micro-needles film was used for the photoreduction of CO2 into CO under UV-vis light irradiation, which has the excellent photocatalytic performance and reusability.
Abstract: Local Surface Plasma Resonance (LSPR) effect enhanced Z-scheme ZnO/Au/g-C3N4 micro-needles film (3-ZAC) has been prepared for the photoreduction of CO2 into CO under UV–vis light irradiation. Photoreduction experiments show that 3-ZAC has the excellent photocatalytic performance and reusability. The CO production can be achieved 689.7 μmol/m2 after 8 h reaction time, which is 4.5 higher than that of the pure ZnO film. 13C isotope test shows that CO is produced from CO2 by photoreduction. DFT calculations confirm that build-in electric field formed at g-C3N4/ZnO interface effectively promoted the electron transfer efficiency in Z-scheme interface. FDTD simulations prove that Au NPs not only act as electron-transfer bridge, but also as LSPR excited source to speed up the separation of electron-hole pairs. In-situ FTIR technique was used to investigate the CO2 photoreduction process. The above characteristics together maximize the electron transfer efficiency, which causes the material has enhanced photocatalytic performance.