A rational guide to improve the activity of a hydrogen-evolving polymeric carbon nitride photocatalyst†
Abstract
Photocatalytic H2 evolution using Pt-loaded mesoporous polymeric carbon nitride (meso-PCN) was studied with respect to light intensity and the hydrogen–deuterium isotope effect, in combination with photoelectrochemical measurements. Although the photocatalytic activity was mainly limited by charge recombination in the meso-PCN, improving the oxidation reaction by photogenerated holes was critical for enhancing the H2-evolution activity. The finding of this work will be a useful guide to achieve non-sacrificial overall water splitting by PCN photocatalysts.
- This article is part of the themed collections: Recent Open Access Articles and Solar Fuels and Chemicals: Photocatalytic Water Splitting and CO2 Reduction