NCQDs active sites as effective collectors of charge carriers towards enhanced photocatalytic activity of porous Co₃O₄

In this work, different proportions of N-doped carbon quantum dots/porous Co₃O₄ (NCQDs/p-Co₃O₄) NCQDs/Co₃O₄ composite photocatalysts were prepared by a simple self-assembly method. It was demonstrated by a series of characterizations that 50% NCQDs/Co₃O₄ has a good visible light response and low electrochemical impedance. The photocatalytic degradation of TC was investigated by the 50% NCQDs/p-Co₃O₄ composite photocatalyst, and the results showed that the degradation effect of TC reached 81.2% within 120 min. The higher photocatalytic activity of 50% NCQDs/p-Co₃O₄ was analyzed probably because NCQDs can improve the separation efficiency of photogenerated electron–hole pairs and p-Co₃O₄ can provide a larger specific surface area and thus has more active sites. This study provides a new strategy for improving the photodegradation activity of Co₃O₄ photocatalysts.