Hydrogen Evolution Reaction in a Large-Scale Reactor using a Carbon Nitride Photocatalyst under Natural Sunlight Irradiation

In this study, we show the first hydrogen evolution performed in a large-scale photoreactor under natural sunlight irradiation with a mesoporous carbon nitride photocatalyst immobilized on nine stainless steel plates by drop-coating. Stable films were obtained producing approximately 18 L gaseous hydrogen within one month time on stream at an average hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) rate of 0.22 L kWh(-1). The rate could be nicely predicted from preliminary lab-scale experiments under well-defined conditions. Furthermore, the hydrogen production correlates with the sunlight intensity. Based on the total energy input, a maximum solar-to-hydrogen (STH) conversion of 0.12% was obtained.