New two-dimensional porous graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets for highly efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution under visible-light irradiation

Abstract

Aiming at tedious preparation procedures for 2D porous graphitic carbon nitride (2DPCN) nanosheets, a one-step thermal polymerization method based on a supramolecular precursor has been developed. As-prepared 2DPCNs exhibit enlarged specific surface areas with rich reaction sites, better crystallinity, stronger visible-light harvesting capability, aligned energy levels and faster charge transfer. A superior photocatalytic hydrogen evolution rate of 220 μmol h⁻¹ under visible-light (λ > 420 nm) irradiation, has been achieved. In the meantime, an apparent quantum yield of 1.3% at 490 nm is also obtained, indicating that 2DPCN possesses green light activity. Our one-step thermal polymerization method based on a supramolecular precursor provides a new way to develop C₃N₄ photocatalysts with different morphologies and better photoelectric properties.