Ultrathin 2D g‐C3N4 nanosheets for visible‐light photocatalytic reforming of cellulose into H2 under neutral conditions

Abstract

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe photocatalytic reforming (PR) of abundant and renewable cellulosic biomass resources into hydrogen (H2) fuel is a promising approach for solar‐to‐chemical energy conversion. Although the related PR reactions have been investigated, the majority of previous works were operated in strong alkaline conditions (pH > 14) owing to the insolubility of cellulose, and used UV‐driven titania (TiO2)‐based materials as photocatalysts.RESULTSTo this end, for the first time, we present ultrathin 2D graphitic‐like carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) nanosheets (CNNs) derived from the thermal‐oxidation strategy for PR of cellulose into H2 under neutral conditions. Compared to bulk g‐C3N4 (BCN), the resulting ultrathin CNNs with an average thickness of 6 nm showed a remarkably increased surface area, significantly improved photogenerated charge mobility, higher electrical conductivity and stronger photooxidation capacity. Consequently, the as‐prepared CNNs displayed dramatically enhanced visible‐light PR activity for H2 evolution that was 3.93‐fold greater than that of BCN under the same conditions.CONCLUSIONOur study achieves an available avenue for PR of cellulose into H2 under neutral conditions without the need for value‐added sacrificial reagents, which will bring about potential applications in sustainable H2 production through the PR reaction. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).