In-situ Construction of Superhydrophilic g-C3N4 Film by Vapor-Assisted Confined Deposition for Photocatalysis

Fuhao Jia,Jian Liu,Wenjuan Hu,Yizhu Zhang,Min Lv,Changchao Jia

doi:10.3389/fmats.2019.00052

Fuhao Jia, Jian Liu + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3389/fmats.2019.00052

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Abstract

Herein, we report an improved strategy for the synthesis of superhydrophilic g-C3N4 film by vapor-assisted confined deposition method. With minimum amount of precursor, the vapor could be confined in the microenvironment for facilitating the film growth on both sides of the substrates. The obtained films showed similar physiochemical properties with the bulk counterpart and could be peeled off from the substrates by soaking in hot water. The free-standing film is flexible and superhydrophilic, featuring many microfibers atop. The g-C3N4 film from both sides of the substrates could be used in the photocatalytic dye degradation in a repeated manner and showed excellent performance and stability. The current work should shed light on the optimized growth of the g-C3N4 film and could find more application in future device field.

Highlights

G-C3N4 is a promising metal-free conjugated polymer featuring several advantages, including earth-abundant composition, high stability, high visible light absorption efficiency, and favorable band energy levels (Wang et al, 2009)
Several groups pioneered the design and synthesis of the g-C3N4 film by in-situ method, which could avoid the poor interfacial engineering problem usually occurred in the conventional two-step deposition methods
We reported the synthesis of microstructured g-C3N4 film by a confined strategy

Summary

Introduction

G-C3N4 is a promising metal-free conjugated polymer featuring several advantages, including earth-abundant composition, high stability, high visible light absorption efficiency, and favorable band energy levels (Wang et al, 2009). After cooling down to room temperature, g-C3N4 films were deposited on the both of upward side and down side of glass, while yellow g-C3N4 powder was obtained from the bottom of ceramic crucible. The aluminum foil wrapping from the outside of the crucible could form a confined space for facilitating the vapor deposition with minimum amount of precursor.

Results

Conclusion