Enhanced visible light photocatalytic H2 production activity of g-C3N4 via carbon fiber

H-2 production from photocatalytic water splitting is an alternative way to develop reproducible energy. As one of the promising visible-light photocatalysts, graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) endures fast recombination of photoinduced charges, which hinders its wide application for water splitting. To this end, novel carbon fiber (CF) and g-C3N4 composite photocatalysts were prepared through a facile two-step approach involving electrospinning and a subsequent calcination process. The incorporation of CF forms intimate interaction with g-C3N4, significantly enhancing the photocatalytic hydrogen production rate of the latter under visible light irradiation lambda >= 420 nm), reaching a maximal value of 1080 mu mol h(-1) g(-1) which is about 4.6 times higher than that of pure g-C3N4. The improved photocatalytic activity in the CF/g-C3N4 composites are mainly attributed to the synergic effects of improved separation of electron-hole pairs through efficient electron transfer, increased specific surface area and pore volume, and enhanced visible light absorption. Moreover, a possible photocatalytic mechanism is proposed and verified by photoluminescene, photocurrent and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. This study contributes to the further promising application of g-C3N4 for H-2 production. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.