A novel graphdiyne (CnH2n-2) preparation strategy: calcium carbide-derived graphdiyne film supported cobalt tetroxide nanoneedles for photocatalytic hydrogen production

Guiding the directional and effective migration of photocarriers is a basic strategy to achieve high performance of catalysts in the photocatalytic water splitting process. In this paper, a new carbon material of graphdiyne (GDY) was prepared by a mechanical ball milling method, and then it was introduced into metal oxide Co3O4 by an ultrasonic in situ stirring method. The lamellar film structure of GDY provides effective support for Co3O4 nanoneedles. It is undeniable that the Co3O4/GDY composite has excellent photocatalytic performance for hydrogen production. The highest hydrogen production activity of Co3O4/GDY-20 is 2456 mu mol g(-1), which is 7.7 times that of pure Co3O4. In addition, the successful construction of the two-phase S-scheme heterojunction creates favorable conditions for photoelectron migration, and separates the photoelectron-hole pairs successfully. Ultraviolet diffuse reflectance spectra reflect the light absorption capacity of the composite in a wide light wavelength range. Fluorescence spectra and electrochemical detection confirm that photoelectron migration in the composite is effectively regulated, which is very conducive to photocatalytic water splitting. The study shows that the introduction of carbon materials into metal oxides has great potential in the field of photocatalysis.

Automated summary

In this study, a new carbon material GDY was prepared and introduced into metal oxide Co3O4, constructing a highly efficient photocatalyst Co3O4/GDY composite. The migration of photoelectrons was effectively regulated, resulting in high hydrogen production. The introduction of carbon materials into metal oxides has great potential in the field of photocatalysis.