Photocatalytic properties and energy band offset of a tungsten disulfide/graphitic carbon nitride van der Waals heterojunction

Abstract

Semiconductor heterojunctions have higher photocatalytic performance than a single photocatalytic material. However, the energy band offset and the photocatalytic reaction mechanism of these heterojunctions remain controversial. Here, tungsten disulfide (WS₂)/graphitic carbon nitride (GCN) heterojunction photocatalytic water splitting is investigated with the hybrid density functional method. The band structures and the density of states (DOS) indicate that the WS₂/GCN heterojunction is a type-II heterojunction, and its valence band offset and conduction band offset are 0.27 and 0.04 eV, respectively. The differential charge density distribution and the work function calculation indicate that a built-in electric field is formed in the WS₂/GCN heterojunction. The potential of the built-in electric field is 0.16 V, and its direction is from the GCN surface to the WS₂ surface. The built-in electric field separates the photogenerated electrons and the holes in space, effectively improving the photocatalytic efficiency of the WS₂/GCN heterojunction. Our work provides insights into the electronic properties and the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution mechanism of the WS₂/GCN heterojunction.