g-C3N x with a Tunable Band Structure for Efficient Photocatalytic Xylose Oxidation and Hydrogen Evolution

Thecombination of photocatalysis with biorefinery and hydrogen(H-2) production is highly desired, yet the systematicalprocesses have not been achieved for the lack of development of aneffective bifunctional photocatalyst to enhance the efficiency ofbiorefinery and H-2 generation. Here, we reported an efficientphotocatalyst to promote xylonic acid formation and H-2 productionby introducing cyano groups on graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N x ). The obtained g-C3N x could effectively absorb visible light withextended range by the tunable band structure. We also found that electronsand holes were effectively separated on the surface of g-C3N x , enhancing the visible-light photocatalyticresponse and therefore increasing biorefinery and H-2 production.The efficient amplification of xylonic acid synthesis indicated thepossibility of xylonic acid via this photocatalysis. Regulating the synthesis of g-C3N4 enhanced charge separation to achieve high-efficiencyphotocatalyticselective xylonic acid conversion.

Automated summary

We have developed an efficient photocatalyst by introducing cyano groups on graphitic carbon nitride, which can enhance the efficiency of xylonic acid formation and hydrogen production.