One-step large-scale highly active g-C3N4 nanosheets for efficient sunlight-driven photocatalytic hydrogen production

Abstract

The development of highly active, cost-effective, environmentally friendly and stable g-C₃N₄ based photocatalysts for H₂ evolution is one of the most anticipated potential pathways for future hydrogen utilization. Herein, a facile gaseous bubble template approach was designed to prepare large-scale thin g-C₃N₄ nanosheets (g-C₃N₄ NSs) using melamine and ammonium sulphate as the bubble template. Through distinctive structural improvements for a large bandgap, excellent electron mobility, prolonged lifetime of the photogenerated charge carriers and a high specific surface area with highly accessible potential reaction sites, the as-synthesized g-C₃N₄ NSs demonstrated a high photocatalytic hydrogen evolution rate of 9871 μmol h⁻¹ g⁻¹ and efficient photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) and phenol under simulated solar light irradiation.