Oxygen Deficient WO_3–x Nanorods and g-CN Nanosheets Heterojunctions: A 1D–2D Interface with Engineered Band Structure for Cyclohexanol Oxidation in Visible Light

Among photocatalytic semiconductors, minimization of recombination rate of photogenerated charge carriers to enhance their utilization via band structure engineering would be an effective approach for the enhanced activity. In this context, hexagonal phase O-deficient tungsten oxide (WO3–x) nanorods with modified band structure have been synthesized via a facile hydrothermal method. An in situ 1D–2D heterogeneous interface has been created using as-synthesized WO3–x nanorods with carbon nitride (g-CN) nanosheets. Photoluminescence (PL) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopic (EIS) results advocate the improved separation and fast transfer of photogenerated charge carriers. With improved properties, the photocatalytic ability is demonstrated by cyclohexanol oxidation using molecular oxygen where nearly 90% cyclohexanone yield has been recorded with palladium (Pd) decorated heterostructure. The collective results show that better contact between these semiconducting systems with suitable band alignments could be the major factor for improved photocatalytic activity under simulated solar irradiation. The present study unravels the active role of 1D–2D interface formed from these modified nanostructures to perform chemical conversion in visible light over conventional thermal routes.