NaClO-induced sodium-doped cyano-rich graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets with nitrogen vacancies to boost photocatalytic hydrogen peroxide production

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) has shown promising potential application in photocatalytic production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) due to its suitable electronic band structure and facile preparation. Nevertheless, the ability of H2O2 production is limited by the unsatisfactory light utilization and the low specific surface area. In the present work, we developed a NaClO-assisted ammonia pyrolysis method to achieve the simultaneous introduction of sodium doping and cyano groups with nitrogen vacancies into the framework of g-C3N4 by the synergistic effect of Na+ intercalation and ClO- oxidation. Moreover, the easy removal of NaClO-derived NaCl can further increase the specific surface area and exposed active sites after water washing. All the features above are beneficial to extend the light absorption and improve the separation efficiency and redox ability of photo-generated electrons and holes over the optimal catalyst, which contribute to the high H2O2 yield of 415.5 mu M within 4 h and excellent cyclic stability.

Automated summary

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) has promising potential in photocatalytic production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) due to its suitable band structure and facile preparation. In this study, sodium doping and cyano groups with nitrogen vacancies were introduced into g-C3N4 by NaClO-assisted ammonia pyrolysis, leading to improved light absorption and separation efficiency of photo-generated electrons and holes, resulting in high H2O2 yield and excellent cyclic stability.