Strategies for Improving the Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution Reaction of Carbon Nitride‐Based Catalysts

Abstract

Due to the depletion of fossil fuels and their‐related environmental issues, sustainable, clean, and renewable energy is urgently needed to replace fossil fuel as the primary energy resource. Hydrogen is considered as one of the cleanest energies. Among the approaches to hydrogen production, photocatalysis is the most sustainable and renewable solar energy technique. Considering the low cost of fabrication, earth abundance, appropriate bandgap, and high performance, carbon nitride has attracted extensive attention as the catalyst for photocatalytic hydrogen production in the last two decades. In this review, the carbon nitride‐based photocatalytic hydrogen production system, including the catalytic mechanism and the strategies for improving the photocatalytic performance is discussed. According to the photocatalytic processes, the strengthened mechanism of carbon nitride‐based catalysts is particularly described in terms of boosting the excitation of electrons and holes, suppressing carriers recombination, and enhancing the utilization efficiency of photon‐excited electron–hole. Finally, the current trends related to the screening design of superior photocatalytic hydrogen production systems are outlined, and the development direction of carbon nitride for hydrogen production is clarified.

Progress on enhancing the charge separation efficiency of carbon nitride for robust photocatalytic H2 production

“…During the last decade, a series of papers have been published revealing the advances in the field of photocatalytic H 2 production over g-C 3 N 4 . 35–37 As we know, the separation and transfer of charges is a crucial step for photocatalysis. Currently, various approaches have been developed to modify g-C 3 N 4 and improve charge separation efficiency, such as morphological control, metal/non-metal doping, heterojunction, etc.…”

Electrosynthesis of ruthenium nanocluster incorporated nickel diselenide for efficient overall water splitting

“…1,2 There are several methods for hydrogen production, based on the applied energy sources, such as high-temperature thermolysis, coal rening, electrocatalysis, photocatalysis, etc. [3][4][5][6][7][8] The electrochemical water cycle, which involves electrolysis of water for H 2 generation and subsequent utilization in fuel cells, is a signicant approach towards a sustainable energy future. The energy conversion process involves two half-cell reactions, namely, the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) happening at the cathode side, and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) happening at the anode side.…”

In Situ Analysis Photogenerated Electron Transport Behavior of C Self-Doped Carbon Nitride for Photocatalytic H2 Production

“…Polymeric carbon nitride (PCN) is widely used as a photocatalyst in water splitting, CO 2 reduction, H 2 O 2 production, , and organic pollutant degradation . Compared to inorganic semiconductors, PCN demonstrates unique advantages, including visible light response, strong light absorption ability, as well as the convenience of tailoring the molecular structure and band gap configuration.…”