Direct fabrication of graphitic carbon nitride-wrapped titanate nanotube arrays toward photoelectrochemical water oxidation in neutral medium

Realizing a long-term, high-performance, and affordable photocatalytic setting for water splitting processes remains challenging despite the tremendous promise. We present a direct fabrication of graphitic carbon nitride-wrapped titanate nanotube array (gC(3)N(4)-wrapped TNA) heterojunction photoelectrodes via a chemical vapor deposition-like process that leverages the pyrolysis and sublimation of melamine at 500 degrees C. The gC(3)N(4)-wrapped TNA heterojunction photoelectrodes show a 16 times enhancement of current density and photo-response than bare TNAs. Such a remarkable enhancement comes from the effective charge separation of the gC(3)N(4)/TNA interfaces, consequently accelerating water splitting to generate oxygen under visible light. In addition, our gC(3)N(4)-wrapped TNA photoelectrodes are developed under a neutral condition that significantly increases their widespread use for practical devices.

Automated summary

A graphitic carbon nitride-wrapped titanate nanotube array (gC(3)N(4)-wrapped TNA) heterojunction photoelectrode was successfully fabricated via a chemical vapor deposition-like process, showing significant enhancement in current density and photo-response under visible light. The enhanced performance can be attributed to the effective charge separation at the gC(3)N(4)/TNA interfaces, leading to accelerated water splitting and oxygen generation. Additionally, the gC(3)N(4)-wrapped TNA photoelectrodes are developed under neutral conditions, making them highly applicable for practical devices.