Carbon Dots–Implanted Graphitic Carbon Nitride Nanosheets for Photocatalysis: Simultaneously Manipulating Carrier Transport in Inter‐ and Intralayers

Abstract

Carbon dots (CDs) present unique photoinduced charge transfer and reservoir properties, showing promising application potential in photocatalysis. The in situ preparation of CDs in a graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) matrix provides not only a new approach for electronic structure modulation and heterostructure construction but also an effective way to improve their photocatalytic performance. However, incorporating CDs into ultrathin g‐C3N4 remains a challenge. Moreover, simultaneously tuning their carrier transport in inter‐ and intralayers is difficult but significant for their application as efficient photocatalysts. Herein, an unprecedented Se‐chaperoned thermal polymerization method for the synthesis of zero‐dimensional CD‐implanted g‐C3N4 nanosheets (CCNS) is reported. The CCNS simultaneously facilitate carrier transport and suppress recombination because of the seamless bonding heterostructure of CDs within the in‐plane domains of the g‐C3N4 nanosheets. Accordingly, the photocatalytic rates of water splitting for H2 evolution and CO2 reduction are enhanced 3.1 and 4.1 times, respectively. In addition, the photocatalytic RhB degradation efficiency dramatically increases 18 times. This work presents a promising solution to solving the current worldwide energy shortage and environmental pollution issues.