In situ synthesis of a novel Mn3O4/g-C3N4 p-n heterostructure photocatalyst for water splitting

Designing high-efficiency photocatalyst for photocatalytic water splitting is a considerable challenge. Herein, a new Mn3O4/g-C3N4 p-n heterostructure photocatalyst is prepared by an in-situ growth method. The introduction of Mn3O4 can enhance light absorption ability of g-C3N4. The Mn3O4/g-C3N4 photocatalyst exhibits outstanding photocatalytic activity for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) efficiency of similar to 2700 mu mol g(-1) h(-1) at lambda > 420 nm. For the separate reactions of H-2 evolution and O-2 evolution under simulated sunlight, the efficiencies of Mn3O4/g-C(3)N(4 )heterostructure photocatalyst are 3300 mu mol g(-1)h(-1) and 654 mu mol g(-1)h(-1), respectively. The p-n junction is also capable of catalyzing the overall water splitting reaction to generate H-2 and O-2 products in a stoichiometric molar ratio of 2:1. The formation of electric field in p-n Mn3O4/g-C(3)N(4 )junction promotes electron transfer and improves photocatalytic performance. (C) 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

A new Mn3O4/g-C3N4 p-n heterostructure photocatalyst was prepared with outstanding photocatalytic activity for both hydrogen evolution and oxygen evolution, achieving efficient water splitting for hydrogen production.