Carbon Paper Research Articles

Electrochemical measurement and simulation of lithium perchlorate-interacted oxygen-containing carbon paper

Electrochemical measurement and simulation of lithium perchlorate-interacted oxygen-containing carbon paper

Enhanced degradation of acid orange 74 via anodic activation of peroxydisulfate using a silver nanoparticle-modified carbon paper anode

In this study, peroxydisulfate (PDS) was activated using silver nanoparticle-modified carbon paper (AgNPs@CP) anode for the efficient degradation of acid orange 74 (AO 74) in wastewater. The AgNPs@CP anode degraded AO 74 at a 4.96-fold higher rate than the unmodified CP anode, where the degradation efficiency depended mainly on radical oxidation, with ·OH accounting for 63.50% and SO4·− accounting for 16.02%. The current density and PDS concentration were the most important parameters affecting the activation efficiency, and the degradation rate could be quantitatively controlled by adjusting these parameters. In terms of the effect of water matrices, Cl− considerably improved the electrochemical activation efficiency, whereas CO32− and PO43− inhibited it. After five cycles of reuse, the AO 74 degradation efficiency decreased to 88.39%, and the corresponding degradation rate decreased to 30.56% of the original value. However, the AO 74 degradation efficiency was still substantially higher than that achieved by the unmodified CP anode. The main reason for the deactivation of the AgNPs@CP electrode was the formation of Ag2+ during electrochemical activation. Generally, the anodic activation of PDS using the AgNPs@CP anode is an efficient method for degrading refractory organic pollutants.

Resistive Heating Catalytic Micro-Reactor for Process Intensified Fuel Reforming to Hydrogen

Abstract Process intensification of fuel reforming using micro-reactors has become crucial for feed flexibility in H2 production for fuel cells. In the literature on microreactors, energy supply for these endothermic reactions has faced limitations, relying on external heating, or autothermal operation. This paper explores a novel approach using a thin-film catalytic heater to develop micro-reactors. The study focuses on dry methane reforming in a simplified micro-reactor where thermal energy is supplied through electric resistive heating of a thin carbon sheet with a catalyst applied to its surface. The thin catalytic heated layer inside the reactor minimizes energy losses and the reactor footprint. Power input was varied from 90-225 W to understand its impact on the reactor temperature, CH4 conversion, H2 and CO yields. Fast thermal response times were achieved using the carbon paper as thin film for heating. Ni/MgO impregnated onto carbon paper was utilized as the catalytic heating element which resulted in CH4 conversions greater than 60% at temperature above750 K. Influence of operating conditions such as the input molar ratio of CO2/CH4, and gas hourly space velocity (GHSV) were also investigated to understand the scope of the catalyst in this setup. High GHSVs (592,885 and 948,617 mL/(hr.gcatalyst)) were tested to understand the throughput achievable using this setup. This approach demonstrates improved scope and feasibility for further intensification compared to conventionally heated microreactors. The research paves the way for efficient and compact micro-reactors for fuel reforming processes.

One-Pot Electrodeposition of a PANI:PSS/MWCNT Nanocomposite on Carbon Paper for Scalable Determination of Ascorbic Acid

In recent years, there has been growing demand for the monitoring of ascorbic acid levels, especially in underdeveloped populations where ascorbic acid deficiency affects up to 74% of individuals. To facilitate widespread ascorbic acid screening, we have developed a highly scalable conductive polymer nanocomposite with excellent ascorbic acid sensing performance. The material is based on polyaniline, which is deposited in a single step in the presence of polystyrene sulfonate and multi-walled carbon nanotubes onto carbon paper. The modified electrodes take advantage of the electrocatalytic properties of polyaniline toward ascorbic acid, which are boosted by the proton donating polystyrene sulfonate polymer and the high surface area of the multi-walled carbon nanotubes. The morphology and composition of the composite are characterized using field-emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and the electrochemical characteristics are examined using cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The modified electrode shows good ascorbic acid sensing characteristics, with a linear range of 1–400 μM, a sensitivity of 546 μA mM−1 cm−2, and a limit of detection of 0.11 μM. High performance and low cost results in a promising platform to support the widespread, cheap monitoring of ascorbic acid deficiency.

Influence of Nitrogen Position on the Electrocatalytic Performance of B,N-Codoped Carbon Quantum Dots for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction

Nanocomposites containing B,N-codoped carbon quantum dots (CQDs) and an anion exchange ionomer based on poly(2,6-dimethylpolyphenyleneoxide) with trimethylammonium groups on long side chains (PPO-LC) were studied as catalytic electrodes for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The objective was to reveal the impact of graphitic vs pyridinic/pyrrolic nitrogen on the ORR electrocatalysis. The CQDs were prepared by hydrothermal synthesis and analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscpy to ascertain the B and N content and their position. The electrodes were prepared by drop-casting an ink of CQDs and PPO-LC on acid-treated carbon paper support. Characterizations of the electrodes included water contact angle, capacitance measurements, Fourier transform infrared spectra as well as scanning electron microscopy and optical microscopy. The onset and half-wave potentials, limiting current densities, Koutecky-Levich and Tafel plots revealed that the sample with only pyridinic/pyrrolic nitrogen showed the lowest electrocatalytic performance, underlining the importance of graphitic nitrogen for good ORR activity. Four-electron reduction was observed for the samples containing graphitic nitrogen. The onset potential (0.92 V/RHE) was among the best in the literature for carbonaceous materials. Finally, durability tests were performed indicating a good long-time stability of the electrodes; the electrode degradation was analyzed by impedance spectroscopy.

Unraveling the Harmonious Coexistence of Ruthenium States on a Self‐Standing Electrode for Enhanced Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

The development of cost‐effective, highly efficient, and durable electrocatalysts has been a paramount pursuit for advancing the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Herein, a simplified synthesis protocol was designed to achieve a self‐standing electrode, composed of activated carbon paper embedded with Ru single‐atom catalysts and Ru nanoclusters (ACP/RuSAC+C) via acid activation, immersion, and high‐temperature pyrolysis. Ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) calculations are employed to gain a more profound understanding of the impact of acid activation on carbon paper. Furthermore, the coexistence states of the Ru atoms are confirmed via aberration‐corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (AC‐STEM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). Experimental measurements and theoretical calculations reveal that introducing a Ru single‐atom site adjacent to the Ru nanoclusters induces a synergistic effect, tuning the electronic structure and thereby significantly enhancing their catalytic performance. Notably, the ACP/RuSAC+C exhibits a remarkable turnover frequency (TOF) of 18 s−1 and an exceptional mass activity (MA) of 2.2 A mg−1, surpassing the performance of conventional Pt electrodes. The self‐standing electrode, featuring harmoniously coexisting Ru states, stands out as a prospective choice for advancing HER catalysts, enhancing energy efficiency, productivity, and selectivity.

Nitrogen-doped cerium-iron phosphide as an ultra-efficient Ru-free electrocatalyst for oxygen evolution reaction

Designing nonprecious metal-based heteroatom-doped electrocatalysts with low overpotential for efficient hydrogen production via oxygen evolution reactions presents significant challenges. We fabricated and carbonized an N-doped bimetallic phosphide (CeFeP) in this study. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy analyses revealed the formation of a uniform spherical nanoparticle morphology, while structural changes were evidenced in the carbonization step at temperatures of 300 and 700 ℃ by XRD analysis. The synthesized materials were then coated onto carbon paper electrodes in a basic medium, and their performance in the oxygen evolution reaction was evaluated. The results show that the N-doped bimetallic phosphide material carbonized at 700 ℃ has enhanced catalytic activity, as indicated by its low overpotential of 155 mV and Tafel slope of 57 mV/dec, respectively, for a standard current density of 10 mA/cm2. The catalytic performance of the N-doped CeFeP sample was significantly higher than that of undoped CeFeP and the single metal phosphide, thereby indicating it has significant potential for practical applications.

Activated Carbon from Paper Waste as Potential Adsorbents for Methylene Blue and Hexavalent Chromium

Environmental pollution is a significant problem and is increasing gradually as more and more harmful pollutants are being released into water bodies and the environment. Water pollutants are dangerous and pose a threat to all living organisms and the ecosystem. Paper waste is one of the most widespread and largest wastes in the world. This research aims to address two important problems simultaneously: the reduction in solid waste in the environment using activated carbon from paper waste as potential adsorbents and the removal of harmful contaminants from water. Carbon from paper waste was activated with H2O2, HNO3, and KMnO4 for the adsorption of Cr(VI) and MB. SEM, EDX, FTIR, Raman, and BET were used to determine the properties of the materials. The surface morphology of the materials consisted of amorphous particles. EDX shows that all activated samples have a higher content of (O) than carbon paper waste. Adsorption studies showed that there was a stronger interaction between the pollutants and the adsorbent at a higher initial concentration (200 mg/L) than at the lower initial concentrations. The contact time data show that uptake increases when the interaction time between the contaminant and the adsorbent is increased. The tests for the pH of the solution show that the adsorption of Cr(VI) decreases when the pH is gradually increased, whereas the adsorption of MB increases when the pH of the solution is increased. The results fit better with the Freundlich isotherm and PSO models. The temperature studies show that the enthalpy was positive, indicating that the uptake process is endothermic. The Gibbs free energy values were all negative, indicating that adsorption between the adsorbents and the pollutants was favored. After four consecutive cycles, all the samples retained more than 60% of their uptake capability.

Investigation of the effect of load weight on the discharge capacity of lithium–O2 batteries using carbon-paper–based electrodes

We prepared carbon electrodes with nearly uniform thickness and varying loading weights using carbon paper (CP) as a support material and current collector for single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). These electrodes were used as the positive electrode in a lithium–O2 battery, tested at a lower voltage limit of 2.4 V with a fixed current of 0.26 mA/cm2 (0.5 mA). Results demonstrated that the discharge gravimetric capacity (capacity normalized per weight of SWCNTs) did not change significantly for loading weights ≥0.42 mg/cm2. However, for loading weights <0.42 mg/cm2, the discharge gravimetric capacity exhibited an inverse correlation with weight. Analysis of the prepared electrodes revealed that at very low SWCNT loading weights, the sheets of SWCNTs became extremely thin, leading to occasional tears. Nonetheless, these structural changes had no significant impact on the specific surface area or contact resistance. Further analysis of the post-test electrodes using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction, along with considerations of the carbon paper's surface area as a percentage of the total electrode surface, led to the conclusion that at low loading weights, CP actively contributes to the discharge process and serves as a deposition site for Li2O2. Consequently, when the weight of the active material falls below a certain threshold, there is a risk of misperception, potentially leading to an overestimation of the discharge capacity.

Enhancing selective nitrate-to-ammonia electrocatalysis with high-performing Ni2P embedded nitrogen phosphide doped carbon (NPC) deposited on CP: Unprecedented performance and stability

One of the biggest challenges to the sustainable manufacture of liquid ammonia and the prevention of worldwide water contamination is the development of effective electrocatalysts for the electrochemical reduction of nitrate (NO3−) to NH3 with high stability. Herein, a highly active and serviceable electrocatalyst is synthesized by pyrolysis, composed of nanostructure nickel phosphide (Ni2P) embedded in nitrogen phosphide doped carbon (NPC) followed by deposition on carbon paper (CP) to improve the electrocatalytic nitrate reduction. Various characterization techniques investigate the crystallinity, morphology, and chemical components of the Ni2P-NPC/CP nanoparticles. The results support the formation of nanostructure Ni2P and strong synergistic interactions between Ni2P and NPC, which resulted in substantial active sites and high electrical conductivity. Excellent performance of Ni2P-NPC/CP nanoparticles is achieved for electrocatalytic NO3− reduction with an NH4+ yield rate of 2.468 mg h−1 mgcat.−1 and Faradaic efficiency (FE) of 84.6% at −1.2 V vs. RHE. Additionally, Ni2P-NPC/CP nanoparticles exhibit exceptional robustness and endurance. Studies using isotope labeling have been carried out, and the results show that nitrate reduction produces ammonia. Ni2P-based electrocatalysts can effectively treat nitrate wastewater to recover ammonia and facilitate its use in diverse industrial applications.

Molybdenum nitride thin films coated cobalt-metal-organic framework nanocolumns for high-efficiency alkaline hydrogen evolution

The sustainable development of catalysts with Pt-like catalytic activity to produce hydrogen economically from water electrolysis is essential and challenging. Herein, we have prepared a novel catalyst with the combined virtues of nanocolumn structures and heterojunctions by magnetron sputtering molybdenum nitride (Mo2N) thin films over cobalt-metal-organic framework (Co-MOF) nanocolumns on carbon paper (CP), and explored the catalytic activities in hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). By optimizing the preparation process, the heterostructured Co-MOF@Mo2N/CP catalysts can exhibit an excellent HER performance with an overpotential of only 72.8 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and cycling durability over 24 h and 5000 cycles, achieving one of the best performances among state-of-the-art Mo-based catalysts. This work guides and accelerates the design of low-cost and high-performance transition metal nitrides HER catalysts for industrial applications.

Unlocking the Potential of Bi2S3-Derived Bi Nanoplates: Enhanced Catalytic Activity and Selectivity in Electrochemical and Photoelectrochemical CO2 Reduction to Formate.

Various electrocatalysts are extensively examined for their ability to selectively produce desired products by electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR). However, an efficient CO2RR electrocatalyst doesn't ensure an effective co-catalyst on the semiconductor surface for photoelectrochemical CO2RR. Herein, Bi2S3 nanorods are synthesized and electrochemically reduced to Bi nanoplates that adhere to the substrates for application in the electrochemical and photoelectrochemical CO2RR. Compared with commercial-Bi, the Bi2S3-derived Bi (S-Bi) nanoplates on carbon paper exhibit superior electrocatalytic activity and selectivity for formate (HCOO-) in the electrochemical CO2RR, achieving a Faradaic efficiency exceeding 93%, with minimal H2 production over a wide potential range. This highly selective S-Bi catalyst is being employed on the Si photocathode to investigate the behavior of electrocatalysts during photoelectrochemical CO2RR. The strong adhesion of the S-Bi nanoplates to the Si nanowire substrate and their unique catalytic properties afford exceptional activity and selectivity for HCOO- under simulated solar irradiation. The selectivity observed in electrochemical CO2RR using the S-Bi catalyst correlates with that seen in the photoelectrochemical CO2RR system. Combined pulsed potential methods and theoretical analyses reveal stabilization of the OCHO* intermediate on the S-Bi catalyst under specific conditions, which is critical for developing efficient catalysts for CO2-to-HCOO- conversion.

Efficient sequestration of plutonium from aqueous medium using nitrogen doped graphene nano walls

Nitrogen doped graphene nanowall(s) deposited on carbon paper is employed in sequestration of trace-level plutonium from aqueous solution using batch adsorption technique. Surface and structural characteristics of the sorbent are studied using SEM and Raman spectroscopy, respectively. Radiometric α-counting of the supernatant solution showed > 90% sorption at pH > 7. Visual Minteq modelling revealed that Pu(OH)4 species is responsible for high sorption. Freundlich model evolved as the best fit, implying multilayer deposition on a heterogeneous surface as the mechanism of sorption. The combination of 10 M HNO3 and EDTA resulted in 75% desorption. The results are promising for the sequestration of trace-level plutonium.

Crystalline CdS/Amorphous Cd(OH)2 Composite for Electrochemical CO2 Reduction to CO in a Wide Potential Window.

Electrochemical CO2 reduction is a promising method for converting atmospheric CO2 into valuable low-carbon chemicals. In this study, a crystalline cadmium sulfide/amorphous cadmium hydroxide composite was successfully deposited on the carbon paper substrate surface by in-situ chemical bath deposition (named as c-CdS/a-Cd(OH)2/CP electrodes) for the efficient electrochemical CO2 reduction to produce CO. The c-CdS/a-Cd(OH)2/CP electrode exhibited high CO Faradaic efficiencies (>90 %) under a wide potential window of 1.0 V, with the highest value reaching ~100 % at the applied potential ranging from -2.16 V to -2.46 V vs. ferrocene/ferrocenium (Fc/Fc+), superior to the crystalline counterpart c-CdS/CP and c-CdS/c-Cd(OH)2@CP electrodes. Meanwhile, the CO partial current density reached up to 154.7 mA cm-2 at -2.76 V vs. Fc/Fc+ on the c-CdS/a-Cd(OH)2/CP electrode. The excellent performance of this electrode was mainly ascribed to its special three-dimensional structure and the introduction of a-Cd(OH)2. These structures could provide more active sites, accelerate the charge transfer, and enhance adsorption of *COOH intermediates, thereby improving the CO selectivity. Moreover, the electrolytes consisting of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate and acetonitrile also enhanced the reaction kinetics of electrochemical CO2 reduction to CO.

Flame modified carbon-based electrodes as positive electrode for high performance of hydrogen/iron battery

The electrode is a core component that affects the overall performance of the hydrogen/iron redox flow battery. To address the drawbacks associated with the limited electrochemical activity and fewer active sites of the carbon-based electrode, this study employs a straightforward and effective flame method to synthesize carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on carbon paper and NiO/CNT composite on graphite felt. The CNT on the modified carbon-based electrode contains many hydrophilic and oxygen-containing functional groups, greatly improving the hydrophilicity of the electrode, thereby increasing the electrochemical surface area. The modified carbon-based electrode exhibits better electrochemical activity due to the CNT or NiO/CNT providing more active sites. At 50 mA cm−2, the energy efficiency of pristine carbon paper and graphite felt is 60.8% and 52.4%, respectively, while the energy efficiency of the modified carbon paper and graphite felt reached 75.3% and 80.5%, respectively. The modified carbon-based electrode achieves a 100% coulombic efficiency, with no significant degradation in energy efficiency after running for 300 cycles, demonstrating excellent stability. This study not only investigates the performance of graphite felt electrodes in hydrogen/iron batteries but also proposes a flame method for preparing CNT-modified carbon-based electrodes for high-performance hydrogen/iron batteries.

Non-precious high entropy alloys and highly alkali-resistant composite membranes based high performance anion exchange membrane water electrolyzers

Cost-effective highly efficient and stable catalysts and alkali-resistant anion exchange membranes (AEMs) are critical for practical applications of anion exchange membrane water electrolyzers (AEMWEs). Here, bifunctional non-precious FeCoNiCuMo high entropy alloys (HEAs), electrochemically deposited on nickel mesh as an anode (FeCoNiCuMo/NM) and on carbon paper as a cathode (FeCoNiCuMo/CP), together with a NiFe layered double hydroxide (LDH) loaded AEM (AEM/LDH), were developed for high performance AEMWEs. The AEMWE thus fabricated delivered an ultrahigh current density of 1777 mA cm−2 at 2 V and exhibited remarkable stability with a less than 0.1% cell voltage increase after a 100-hour operation at 100 mA cm−2 at 50 °C, largely outperforming those of the precious metal based AEMWE, composed of IrO2/NM as the anode and Pt/C/CP as the cathode, 1231 mA cm−2@2 V and 4.57% increase in cell voltages. Composition of the alkali-resistant, hydrophilic, and water electrolysis active NiFe LDH into the AEM improved not only the electrolyte uptake and operational stability, but also the efficiency of the AEMWE, with a 10% boost in current density achieved at 2 V and a reduction in cell voltage increases from 2.94% to 0.0951%. The present development demonstrates the practicality of AEMWEs toward green hydrogen production.

In situ electrodeposited Zn-doped CoNiS as an efficient and stable electrocatalyst for overall water splitting in neutral media

Zinc-doped cobalt nickel sulfides coupled with polypyrrole hollow nanospheres grown on carbon paper (Zn-CoNiS/PHS/CP) were developed by unipolar pulse electrodeposition (UPED) method as efficient and stable electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and overall water splitting in neutral media for the first time. With abundant active sites intrigued by moderate Zn doping, the optimized Zn10-CoNiS delivers improved catalytic performance with small overpotentials of 213 mV and 414 mV to achieve the current densities of 10 mA cm−2 for HER and OER respectively, and outstanding long-term stability. The water electrolyzer device with Zn10-CoNiS as both anode and cathode delivers a current density of 10 mA cm−2 at a cell voltage of 1.896 V in neutral media. The low charge transfer resistance of Zn-CoNiS and confinement effect of 2D Ni9S8/Co9S8 nanosheets on 0D ZnS nanodots endow the bifunctional electrocatalysts with efficient activity and high stability, providing a competitive candidate for green hydrogen production.

Highly dispersed cobalt clusters/nanoparticles embedded in cellulose nanocrystal derived carbon aerogel as efficient sulfur host for high performance lithium sulfur batteries

Exploring multifunctional sulfur host materials with high immobilization ability and catalytic activity is of great significance for realizing high-performance Lithium-sulfur (Li–S) batteries. Recently, cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) receive extensive attention for advanced energy storage applications owing to their intrinsically exceptional physical/chemical properties and natural abundance. Herein, a highly dispersed cobalt clusters/nanoparticles embedded into CNC derived carbon aerogel composite (CA/Co-2) is for the first time synthesized. Benefiting from the interconnected hierarchical porous structure, homogeneously anchored Co clusters/nanoparticles and N-doped species, the designed CA/Co-2 could enable rapid electron/ion transport, efficient sulfur utilization, effective suppression of the shuttle effect and fast catalytic conversion of polysulfides, thereby contributing to outstanding electrochemical performance. Consequently, CA/Co-2@S cathode delivers high initial discharge capacity (1553.1 mAh g−1 at 0.1C) and superior cycle stability. Moreover, a remarkable rate performance of 681.4 mAh g−1 at 5.0C and exceptional long-term cycling stability with an ultralow capacity decay of 0.028 % per cycle at 5.0C over 1000 cycles could be achieved when coupled with carbon paper interlayer. This work develops a workable strategy for fabricating multifunctional sulfur host derived from the fascinating bio-nanomaterial of CNC, which provides valuable guidance for the future design of high-performance Li–S batteries.

A biocompatible electrode/exoelectrogens interface augments bidirectional electron transfer and bioelectrochemical reactions

Bidirectional electron transfer is about that exoelectrogens produce bioelectricity via extracellular electron transfer at anode and drive cytoplasmic biochemical reactions via extracellular electron uptake at cathode. The key factor to determine above bioelectrochemical performances is the electron transfer efficiency under biocompatible abiotic/biotic interface. Here, a graphene/polyaniline (GO/PANI) nanocomposite electrode specially interfacing exoelectrogens (Shewanella loihica) and augmenting bidirectional electron transfer was conducted by in-situ electrochemical modification on carbon paper (CP). Impressively, the GO/PANI@CP electrode tremendously improved the performance of exoelectrogens at anode for wastewater treatment and bioelectricity generation (about 54 folds increase of power density compared to blank CP electrode). The bacteria on electrode surface not only showed fast electron release but also exhibited high electricity density of extracellular electron uptake through the proposed direct electron transfer pathway. Thus, the cathode applications of microbial electrosynthesis and bio-denitrification were developed via GO/PANI@CP electrode, which assisted the close contact between microbial outer-membrane cytochromes and nanocomposite electrode for efficient nitrate removal (0.333 mM/h). Overall, nanocomposite modified electrode with biocompatible interfaces has great potential to enhance bioelectrochemical reactions with exoelectrogens.

Ag nanocubes-decorated ammonium hydroxide-treated carbon nitride to improve photocatalytic H2O2 production and fuel cell performance

A novel photocatalyst is designed by surface modification and cocatalyst loading of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) with ammonium hydroxide and silver nanocubes (AgNCs), respectively. The synergistic effect of the modification in the intralayer of g-C3N4 and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) bands of AgNCs significantly enhances the migration and separation efficiency of photo-induced charge carriers. A nickel mesh coated with photocatalyst and the carbon paper loaded with pristine g–C3N4–mixed iron phthalocyanine (FeIIPc) used as the photoanode and cathode, respectively, are constructed for the self-powered photoelectrochemical cell, which exhibits the maximum power density of 0.74 mW cm−2. The AHCN/AgNCs-based cell reveals approximately a 3.1-times enhancement in maximum power density compared with the pristine g–C3N4–based cell. In addition, the photocatalytically generated H2O2 (chemical energy) can be stored in water, and then used as fuel by the connection of two electrodes in the dark. After the fuel cell is operated for 12 h, the specific capacitance retention rate still maintains as high as 57.2 %, which is the greatest retention rate in comparison with the previously reported H2O2 fuel cell systems. Our work offers a feasible opinion on how to improve the visible light utilization of semiconductors by tuning the intralayer properties and loading plasmonic metal.