Synthesis of boron-doped g-C3N4 with enhanced electro-catalytic activity and stability

Herein, we rationally designed 3D carbon nitride hierarchical architecture with an interconnected network of graphene-analogue nanosheets and doped with boron through co-condensation strategy. XPS spectra confirmed the incorporation of boron atoms in the polymeric g-C3N4, while X-ray diffraction and IR indicated the characteristic structural properties of pristine g-C3N4 and boron-doped g-C3N4 (B-x-GCN). The B-x-GCN shows promising electrocatalytic activity and stability in the reduction of pnitrophenol according to cyclic voltammograms analysis. Additionally, the use of this metal-free, organic, semiconducting polymer as an electrocatalyst would open wide application of hybrid carbon nitride materials from both point view of economy and environment.(C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.