Template-free preparation of non-metal (B, P, S) doped g-C3N4 tubes with enhanced photocatalytic H2O2 generation

Developing environmentally friendly methods to produce hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) has received increasing attention. Photocatalysis has been proved to be a sustainable technology for H2O2 production. Herein, the novel non-metal elements (B, P, and S) doped g-C3N4 tubes (B-CNT, P-CNT, and S-CNT) photocatalysts were obtained via a hydrothermal synthesis followed by thermal polymerization. By adjusting the precursor, the yield of g-C3N4 tubes (CNT) materials has been greatly improved. The as-prepared B-CNT, P-CNT, and S-CNT photocatalysts show an enhanced photocatalytic H2O2 production with the formation rate constants values of 42.31 mu M min(-1), 24.95 mu M min(-1), and 24.22 mu M min(-1), respectively, which is higher than that of bulk CN (16.40 mu M min(-1)). The doped B, P, S elements significantly enhanced the photocatalytic activity by adjusting their electronic structures and promoting the separation of electronhole carriers. The results have shown great potential for the practical application of CNT photocatalysts. (C) 2021 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of Chinese Society for Metals.

Automated summary

This study developed novel non-metal elements doped g-C3N4 tube photocatalysts via hydrothermal synthesis and thermal polymerization, showing significantly enhanced photocatalytic activity for H2O2 production. The results indicate great potential for practical application.