A novel nonmetal intercalated high crystalline g-C3N4 photocatalyst for efficiency enhanced H2 evolution

Abstract

Introducing nickel foam as assistant, a novel nonmetal intercalated high crystalline graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4 ) catalyst was successfully fabricated by β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) pretreated melamine with one step thermal polymerization process. The final results show that 0.3-NCCN presented a remarkably visible-light (λ > 400 nm) photocatalytic H 2 evolution reaching 9297 μmol g −1 h −1 , and the reaction process follows the zero-order kinetic model. The increase in crystallization of 0.3-NCCN implies a higher-ordered arrangement of tris-s-triazine. The nonmetal interlayer formed by oxygen-contained graphitized carbon can extend the π-conjugated system. Both above significantly benefit the rapid migration and separation of charge-carrier. Moreover, the narrowed band gap provides a stronger thermodynamic driving force for improving the photocatalytic water splitting efficiency. Our work paved a new method to construct high performance photocatalyst for water splitting. • The g-C 3 N 4 nanosheets were synthesized by a feasible and time-saving method. • The optimal sample showed a 13.2 times improved H 2 production activity. • The nonmetal interlayer can extend the light absorption to visible light. • The increased crystalline can improve photogenerated charges separation efficiency.