A methodical optimization of melamine and ammonium sulphate ratio for the formation of graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets

Abstract

A facile method for the preparation of graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets (GCN NS) was reported by adjusting the melamine and ammonium sulphate ratio via 1:1, 1:1.25, 1:1.5, and 1:2 respectively. The bulk sheet with an average thickness of 112 nm was obtained in the absence of ammonium sulphate. Meanwhile, the nanosheets with 34 nm thickness was formed with a higher concentration of ammonium sulphate. The gases like hydrogen, ammonia, ammonium bisulphate, sulfur oxide, etc were generated at high temperature (550 °C) accelerate the exfoliation rate and lead to the formation of nanosheets. A significant electronic and crystallographic changes was observed in UV and XRD analysis, while introducing a higher concentration of ammonium sulphate. The GCN NS obtained at a 1:2 ratio has a band gap energy value of 2.77 eV, which is a more suitable material for photo and electrocatalytic applications.