Black Phosphorus-Doped Graphitic Carbon Nitride with Aromatic Benzene Rings for Efficient Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production

Abstract

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4, abbreviated as g-CN) suffers from low visible-light-responsive photocatalytic efficiency. In this study, aromatic benzene rings and black phosphorus (BP) were successfully incorporated into g-CN photocatalysts (BP/A-CN), resulting in modified materials with improved properties. Structural analysis confirmed the successful integration of aromatic rings and BP into the g-CN framework, indicating the formation of a stable composite. Morphological characterization revealed that the introduction of aromatic rings and BP did not cause any significant changes in the nanosheet-like morphology of the g-CN photocatalysts. To evaluate the photocatalytic hydrogen production activity under visible-light irradiation, various compositions of aromatic benzene rings and BP were investigated. Specifically, the BP/A-CN composite exhibited an enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen production rate (860 μmol g–1 h–1), which was approximately 4.0 times higher than that of g-CN (210 μmol g–1 h–1). The improved hydrogen production rates observed in the modified g-CN photocatalysts can be attributed to several factors. First, the aromatic benzene rings and BP enhanced light absorption, thereby improving the efficient utilization of solar energy. Additionally, the presence of these components in the composite photocatalysts reduced electron–hole recombination, thereby facilitating improved charge transfer and separation efficiencies. Overall, this study demonstrates the potential of incorporating aromatic benzene rings and BP into g-CN photocatalysts for efficient solar energy conversion. These findings contribute to the development of novel photocatalytic materials with enhanced performance and highlight the versatility of g-CN-based composites for various applications in environmental and energy fields.

A graphitic carbon nitride photocatalyst with a benzene-ring-modified isotype heterojunction for visible-light-driven hydrogen production

“…Notably, various strategies have been devised to improve the photocatalytic performance of g-C 3 N 4 , including metal/nonmetal doping, molecular doping, nanostructure engineering, and heterojunction formation. 41–46…”

Ni(OH)2 Nanosheet as an Efficient Cocatalyst for Improved Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution over Cd0.9Zn0.1S Nanorods under Visible Light

“…Combustion of fossil fuels causes problems such as energy crisis and environmental pollution . Exploring clean and sustainable energy sources to replace fossil fuels remains one of the most important challenges of this century. − After years of hard work by scientists and researchers, photocatalytic H 2 production is considered to be an ideal strategy to overcome the aforementioned issues. − However, exploring photocatalysts with low cost, high activity, and photostability is still the focus of this field. In addition, during the photocatalytic reaction process, the photocatalyzed electrons and holes shift to the upper layer of the photocatalyst to undergo redox reactions, which seriously affects the performance of the catalyst. , Therefore, enhancing charge separation is key to improving photocatalytic performance .…”

Purification of aqueous orange II solution through adsorption and visible-light-induced photodegradation using ZnO-modified g-C3N4 composites

“…Some inherent characteristics of g-CN, especially low charge separation, poor quantum efficiency, and quick recombination rate of the photogenerated e − –h + pairs, decrease its visible-light-responsive photocatalytic efficiency. 43,44 To boost the photocatalytic activity of g-CN, some attempts have been focused such as by elemental doping, 45–47 molecular doping, 48 and coupling with other semiconductors, including metal oxides, 49–51 metal sulfides, 52,53 and others. 54,55 It was reported that ZCN composites showed excellent photocatalytic activity due to the appropriate band gap alignment of g-C 3 N 4 and ZnO.…”