Role of alkali-cyano group interaction in g-C3N4 based catalysts for hydrogen photo-production

Carbon nitride based materials incorporating K and Na alkali ions were used as support(s) to deposit platinum. The systems were tested in the photo-production of hydrogen using methanol as a sacrificial molecule. Tests under UV and sunlight-type illumination conditions showed an important promoting effect of the alkali ions irrespective of the illumination source characteristics. The measurement of the quantum efficiency was used to quantitatively assess the performance of the catalysts. Outstanding results were obtained, particularly under sunlight illumination. A complete characterization study of the materials was carried out to establish a structureactivity link. This link correlates catalytic activity with the capture of charge carrier species by surface cyano groups directly associated with the presence of alkali ions at the carbon nitride component.

Automated summary

This study utilized carbon nitride based materials incorporating K and Na alkali ions as support to deposit platinum for hydrogen production from methanol. The results showed an important promoting effect of alkali ions regardless of the characteristics of the illumination source. Outstanding performance was observed under sunlight illumination, with the catalysts' performance quantitatively assessed using quantum efficiency measurement. A complete characterization study of the materials established a structure-activity link correlating catalytic activity with the capture of charge carrier species by surface cyano groups.