One-Step Realization of Crystallization and Cyano-Group Generation for g-C3N4 Photocatalysts with Improved H2 Production

In contrast to conventional disordered g-C3N4, the ordered arrangement of s-triazine units and cyano-group is important for its improved photocatalytic H(2)evolution activity. However, the usual synthetic methods include complex, multiple-step operations or containing the use of toxic materials. Herein, the ordered crystallization and cyano-group generation are simultaneously realized for the g-C(3)N(4)photocatalyst (namely, cyano-group-modified crystalline g-C3N4) by a facile and green one-step Na2CO3-assisted synthesis approach. It is found that Na(2)CO(3)first effectively promotes the denitrification of dicyandiamide (DCDA) and accelerates its polymerization to produce highly crystalline g-C3N4. When the temperature is over 500 degrees C, Na(2)CO(3)facilitates the pyrolysis of partial s-triazine units to produce cyano-groups on the g-C(3)N(4)surface, resulting in the final generation of cyano-group-modified crystalline g-C3N4. Consequently, the resulting cyano-group-modified crystalline g-C(3)N(4)presents a highly increased hydrogen production activity, about twofold higher than that of the bulk g-C3N4. The increased hydrogen production activity is primarily because of the synergistic effect of the highly crystalline and cyano-group functional for the resulting cyano-group-modified crystalline g-C3N4. The current technology opens insights for the preparation of other crystalline photocatalysts.

Automated summary

The ordered crystallization and cyano-group generation in g-C(3)N(4) photocatalyst was achieved through a one-step Na2CO3-assisted synthesis approach, leading to significantly improved hydrogen production activity. The synergistic effect of highly crystalline structure and cyano-groups contributed to the enhanced activity of cyano-group-modified crystalline g-C(3)N(4). This technology provides insights for the preparation of other crystalline photocatalysts.