Enhanced photocatalytic overall water splitting from an assembly of donor-?-acceptor conjugated polymeric carbon nitride

Well-organized water splitting semiconducting photocatalyst is an important concept, but stimulating aimed at decisive energy and environmental emergencies. In this context, visible light-based photocatalytic water splitting with low-dimensional semiconducting materials is proposed to produce sustainable energy. Here we optimized the sequential of organic electron-rich heterocyclic monomer namely benzothiadiazole (BTD) quenched within polymeric carbon nitride (PCN) semiconductor via copolymerization, thereby assembling a sanctum of donor -n-acceptor (D -n-A) photocatalysts. The selection of BTD is based on the benzene ring, which consequently anticipating a n cross-linker unit for hydrogen and oxygen evolution. A hydrogen evolution rates (HER) of 88.2 mu mol/h for pristine PCN and 744.2 mu mol/h for PCN-BTD008 (eight times higher than pure PCN) are observed. Additionally, a remarkable apparent quantum yield (AQY) of about 58.6% at 420 nm has been observed for PCN-BTD008. Likewise, the oxygen evolution rate (OER) data reflect the generation of 0.2 mu mol/h1 (visible) and 1.6 mu mol/h1 (non-visible) for pure PCN. Though, OER of PCN-BTD008 is found to be 2.2 mu mol/h1 (visible) and 14.8 mu mol/h1 (non visible), which are economically better than pure PCN. As such, the results show an important step toward modifying the design and explain a vital part of the D -n-A scheme at a balanced theme for fruitful photocatalysts intended for future demand. (c) 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Well-organized water splitting semiconducting photocatalyst is crucial for addressing energy and environmental crises. The construction of a donor-n-acceptor photocatalyst using low-dimensional semiconducting materials optimizes the hydrogen and oxygen evolution rates, showing potential for sustainable energy production.