Hexagonal-borocarbonitride (h-BCN) based heterostructure photocatalyst for energy and environmental applications: A review

Authors

Heena Garg, Shoolini University
Shilpa Patial, Shoolini University
Pankaj Raizada, Shoolini University
Van Huy Nguyen, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education
Soo Young Kim, Korea University
Quyet Van Le, Korea University
Tansir Ahamad, College of Sciences
Saad M. Alshehri, College of Sciences
Chaudhery Mustansar Hussain, New Jersey Institute of Technology
Thi Thanh Huyen Nguyen, Duy Tan University
Pardeep Singh, Shoolini University

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-1-2023

Abstract

Formulation of heterojunction with remarkable high efficiency by utilizing solar light is promising to synchronously overcome energy and environmental crises. In this concern, hexagonal-borocarbonitride (h-BCN) based Z-schemes have proved potential candidates due to their spatially separated oxidation and reduction sites, robust light-harvesting ability, high charge pair migration and separation, and strong redox ability. H-BCN has emerged as a hotspot in the research field as a metal-free photocatalyst with a tunable bandgap range of 0–5.5 eV. The BCN photocatalyst displayed synergistic benefits of both graphene and boron nitride. Herein, the review demonstrates the current state-of-the-art in the Z-scheme photocatalytic application with a special emphasis on the predominant features of their photoactivity. Initially, fundamental aspects and various synthesis techniques are discussed, including thermal polymerization, template-assisted, and template-free methods. Afterward, the reaction mechanism of direct Z-scheme photocatalysts and indirect Z-scheme (all-solid-state) are highlighted. Moreover, the emerging Step-scheme (S-scheme) systems are briefly deliberated to understand the charge transfer pathway mechanism with an induced internal electric field. This review critically aims to comprehensively summarize the photo-redox applications of various h-BCN-based heterojunction photocatalysts including CO2 photoreduction, H2 evolution, and pollutants degradation. Finally, some challenges and future direction of h-BCN-based Z-scheme photocatalyst in environmental remediation are also proposed.

Identifier

85144630364 (Scopus)

Publication Title

Chemosphere

External Full Text Location

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137610

e-ISSN

18791298

ISSN

00456535

PubMed ID

36563726

Volume

313

Grant

2020H1D3A1A04081409

Fund Ref

Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning

Recommended Citation

Garg, Heena; Patial, Shilpa; Raizada, Pankaj; Nguyen, Van Huy; Kim, Soo Young; Le, Quyet Van; Ahamad, Tansir; Alshehri, Saad M.; Hussain, Chaudhery Mustansar; Nguyen, Thi Thanh Huyen; and Singh, Pardeep, "Hexagonal-borocarbonitride (h-BCN) based heterostructure photocatalyst for energy and environmental applications: A review" (2023). Faculty Publications. 1973.
https://digitalcommons.njit.edu/fac_pubs/1973