Hybrid CN-MEA microplates with enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution under visible light irradiation

Abstract

Herein, novel hybrid CN-MEA microplates have been prepared by solvothermally treating g-C₃N₄ using monoethanolamine (MEA) as a reaction medium. In this route, MEA plays an important role as a structure- and morphology-directing agent. As for the photocatalytic performance, the hydrogen evolution rate of hybrid CN-MEA microplates is about 9.5 times that of pure g-C₃N₄ under visible-light irradiation. The unique crystal structure and morphology of the as-synthesized materials, as well as the facts that the incorporated MEA serves as an electron donor, and the corresponding enhanced surface H₂O adsorption are considered to be responsible for the improvement of photocatalytic activity.