In situ growth of nickel phosphide nanoparticles on inner wall of graphitic carbon nitride tubes for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

A facile two-step approach is employed to prepare novel Ni2P@CNT hybrid photocatalyst, which is assembled by nickel phosphide (Ni2P) nanoparticles on the inner wall of graphitic carbon nitride tube (CNT). This unique microstructure endows Ni2P@CNT with close interfacial interaction, promotes efficient separation of photoexcited charge carriers and provides enriched sites for photocatalytic reaction. Moreover, the hybrid systemis found to exhibit more superior photocatalytic hydrogen evolution activity than pure CNT and Ptdecorated CNT (Pt@CNT). As a consequence, the work illustrates the essential role of experimental process on the final morphology and performance, which is expected to pave a new method to construct various kind of excellent photocatalyst. (C) 2020 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

A novel Ni2P@CNT hybrid photocatalyst was prepared using a facile two-step approach, showing superior photocatalytic hydrogen evolution activity. The unique microstructure of Ni2P@CNT promotes efficient separation of charge carriers and provides enriched sites for photocatalytic reaction, illustrating the essential role of experimental process in morphology and performance.