Employing one-step coupling cold plasma and thermal polymerization approach to construct nitrogen defect-rich carbon nitrides toward efficient visible-light-driven hydrogen generation

Construction of structural defects in photocatalysts is a powerful tool for regulating their photocatalytic performance. In this work, we develop a facile one-step coupling cold plasma and thermal polymerization approach to synthesize a series of nitrogen defect-rich graphitic carbon nitrides (C3N4-x), which are used for visible-light-driven hydrogen generation from water. The nitrogen defect-induced band structure regulation of C3N4-x catalysts can be carried out through controlling the bombardment time and excitation power of generator during the plasma modification process. The defective C3N4-x catalysts have the extended visible light absorption and improved separation efficiency of photogenerated charge carriers, which results in the boosted hydrogen generation activity. Particularly, the optimal C3N4-x possesses a hydrogen generation rate of 2.46 mmol h(-1) g(-1) which is about 4.5 times higher than the pristine C3N4 synthesized by the single thermal polymerization of urea. The cold plasma modification-based one-step synthesis approach guides us for rationally designing defective nanomaterials with excellent catalytic performance. (C) 2020 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The construction of structural defects in photocatalysts through coupling cold plasma and thermal polymerization approaches can greatly enhance their photocatalytic performance, particularly in visible-light-driven hydrogen generation from water. By controlling the conditions during plasma modification, the band structure of C3N4-x catalysts can be effectively regulated, leading to optimized hydrogen generation activity. This cold plasma modification-based one-step synthesis approach provides guidance for designing defective nanomaterials with excellent catalytic performance.