Heterostructures Based on g-C3N4/CuI as a Photoactivated Support for Pt Nanoparticles toward Efficient Photoelectrocatalytic Methanol Oxidation

The elaborate design and construction of a noble metal/semiconductor heterostructure have ignited tremendous interest in the photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) field thanks to the efficacious charge separation and high-reactive activity. Herein, ultrathin g-C3N4 nanosheets are decorated with Cul and Pt nanoparticles to construct a ternary composite photoelectrocatalyst for a direct methanol fuel cell via a facile approach. It is noted that the introduction of CuI, a typical hole transport channel, significantly improves the catalytic performance and long lifetime stability. More importantly, compared to dark conditions, the assistance of visible light remarkably promoted the current density, anti-poisoning ability, stability, and active area of Pt/g-C3N4/CuI. Efficacious electron transfer and high charge separation efficiency acquired through the formation of heterostructures and the photoelectric synergistic catalytic process are responsible for the significant improvement of photocatalytic performance. The present work provides a hopeful pathway to design a heterostructure catalyst with superior catalytic properties for applications in PEC fields.

Automated summary

The study successfully prepared a novel ternary composite photoelectrocatalyst by constructing noble metal/semiconductor heterostructures and decorating with nanoparticles, showing excellent catalytic performance in direct methanol fuel cells. The introduction of CuI significantly improved catalytic performance and long-term stability, while the assistance of visible light promoted its reactivity.