Single-atom cobalt-hydroxyl modification of polymeric carbon nitride for highly enhanced photocatalytic water oxidation: ball milling increased single atom loading

Expediting the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is the key to achieving efficient photocatalytic overall water splitting. Herein, single-atom Co-OH modified polymeric carbon nitride (Co-PCN) was synthesized with single-atom loading increased by similar to 37 times with the assistance of ball milling that formed ultrathin nanosheets. The single-atom Co-N4OH structure was confirmed experimentally and theoretically and was verified to enhance optical absorption and charge separation and work as the active site for the OER. Co-PCN exhibits the highest OER rate of 37.3 mu mol h(-1) under visible light irradiation, similar to 28-fold higher than that of common PCN/CoOx, with the highest apparent quantum yields reaching 4.69, 2.06, and 0.46% at 400, 420, and 500 nm, respectively, and is among the best OER photocatalysts reported so far. This work provides an effective way to synthesize efficient OER photocatalysts.

Automated summary

Single-atom Co-OH modified polymeric carbon nitride synthesized with ball milling exhibits excellent photocatalytic performance in overall water splitting by enhancing OER rate and apparent quantum yields under visible light irradiation.