Template synthesis of carbon self-doped g-C3N4 with enhanced visible to near-infrared absorption and photocatalytic performance
Abstract
In order to fully address the low surface area, fast charge recombination and limited visible light absorption of pristine g-C3N4, we present a novel and straightforward strategy towards the synthesis of carbon self-doped g-C3N4 by using porous carbon foam as a soft-template. The C-doped g-C3N4 displayed a high BET surface area (65 m2 g−1), extended absorption ranging from visible light to near-infrared (800 nm) and accelerated electron–hole separation. The role of carbon doping on the band structure and electrical conductivity was revealed. The optimized C-doped g-C3N4 demonstrated an exceptionally high photocatalytic performance towards the purification of NO in air, and exceeded other reported visible-light photocatalysts, such as nonmetal-doped TiO2, BiOBr, (BiO)2CO3 and porous g-C3N4. This decent C-doped g-C3N4 photocatalyst also showed good photocatalytic stability for NO removal. The present work could provide new insights into the modification and understanding of self-doped semiconductor photocatalysts.