Photocatalytic H2 evolution on graphdiyne/g-C3N4 hybrid nanocomposites

By Quanlong Xu, Bicheng Zhu, B. Cheng, Jiaguo Yu, Ming-hua Zhou, W. Ho. Applied Catalysis B: Environmental, 2019

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Abstract Hydrogen is considered an ideal alternative energy source to replace fossil energy. Herein, a novel graphdiyne (GD)/graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) nanocomposite was successfully synthesized via a facile calcination approach, and display excellent H2-generation performance under visible light. When the mass ratio of GD reaches 0.5 wt% in GD/g-C3N4 nanocomposite, it shows a maximum hydrogen evolution rate, exceeding that of g-C3N4 by 6.7-fold. After systematic characterization, a new C N bond is confirmed to form between GD and g-C3N4 following heat treatment, and this bond serves as a charge carrier channel that facilitates the migration of photogenerated electrons from g-C3N4 to GD. Positive effects, such as a prolonged photogenerated charge carrier lifetime, intensified electron density, decreased reaction overpotential and improved charge carrier mobility, also contribute to the enhanced photocatalytic performance of the nanocomposites. The proposed technique provides a promising approach for modifying photocatalysts in future applications.

Subfields: Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Materials Chemistry, Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

View Paper: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/1176f67edeb3335338c767c50612808db573560d