One-Pot Synthesis of CoS2 Merged in Polymeric Carbon Nitride Films for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting

Polymeric carbon nitride (PCN) has attracted intensive interest as sustainable, metal-free semiconductor for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting. Charge transfer along the films acts as the main concern to restrict the performance due to the amorphous nature of polymer. Herein, gradient concentration of cobalt disulfide (CoS2) merged in PCN films was realized as CSCN photoanode by a one-pot synthesis. Owing to the unique properties of CoS2, namely high conductivity, the charge transfer of the CSCN photoanode was promoted, and thus the performance for PEC water oxidation was improved. The optimal photoanode exhibited a photoanodic current of 200 mu A cm(-2) at 1.23 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode under air mass 1.5 global (AM 1.5G) illumination, which was approximately 4 times that of the pristine PCN photoanode. This work provides a new design of metal-free photoanodes to improve the performance of water splitting.

Automated summary

Polymeric carbon nitride (PCN) is a sustainable, metal-free semiconductor that has been studied for its potential in photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting. However, the amorphous nature of the polymer limits the charge transfer along the films, thus affecting its performance. In this study, the researchers successfully incorporated gradient concentration of cobalt disulfide (CoS2) into PCN films, resulting in improved charge transfer and enhanced performance for PEC water oxidation.