g-C3N4 Heterostructure Research Articles

SnO2 promoted carrier separation in superior thin g-C3N4 nanosheets for enhanced photocatalytic degradation and H2 generation

The construction of heterostructures is an efficient approach to improve the photocatalystic performance of semiconductors. In this paper, SnO2-g-C3N4 (SnO2–CN) nanocomposites were created via thermal polymerization using SnO2 nanoparticles and layered g-C3N4 nanosheets. A mechano-chemical pre-reaction and the second thermal polymerization of bulk g-C3N4 play important roles for the formation of SnO2/g-C3N4 heterostructures with improved interface nature. The heterostructures with an optimized SnO2 weight ratio of 10% was obtained by adjusting parameters for enhanced photocatalytic reactions in visible light region. Hydrogen generation and the degradation of rhodamine B (Rh B) were tested to characterize the photocatalytic performance of the SnO2–CN nanocomposites. The degradation of a 20 mg/L Rh B solution was finished within 15 min, in which the degradation rate was about twice compared with superior thin g-C3N4 nanosheets prepared by a two-step polymerization procedure. The SnO2–CN nanocomposite with 10% SnO2 revealed a H2 generation rate of 2569.5 μmol g−1L−1. The enhanced photocatalytic performance is ascribed to a type II heterostructure formed and improved interface properties between g-C3N4 and SnO2. In addition, the improved conductivity of SnO2 promoted the photogenerated carrier separation and transfer. The result provided a new idea for the construction of g-C3N4 heterostructures with improved interface characterization and the improvement of photocatalytic properties.

Construction of highly dispersed NH2-MIL-101(Fe)/g-C3N4 heterostructure with excellent photocatalytic redox capability

Through a facile oil bath method, a novel highly dispersed NH2-MIL-101(Fe)/carboxylated g-C3N4 (NM-101(Fe)/CCN) heterostructure was prepared using the chemical bonding between carboxyl groups and -NH2 groups. Compared with the octahedral morphology of pure NM-101(Fe), the chemical bonding interaction promoted the heterogeneous nucleation and growth of NM-101(Fe) to form nanometer-sized granular morphology, which was homogeneously dispersed on CCN surface. Cr(Ⅵ) and ciprofloxacin (CIP) were selected as the typical pollutant models in micro-polluted water sources. The results showed that 10 %NM-101(Fe)/CCN heterostructure could remove 97 % of Cr(Ⅵ) in 60 min and 88 % of ciprofloxacin (CIP) in 120 min. In the dual pollutant system of Cr(Ⅵ) and CIP, Cr(Ⅵ) reduction and CIP degradation can promote each other, and the degradation efficiency of CIP reached 96 % within 120 min. The apparent rate constant of 10 %NM-101(Fe) /CCN heterostructure for Cr(Ⅵ) reduction was 4.30 and 9.67 times of that of NM-101(Fe) and CCN, respectively, which may be ascribed to the interface electric field and good interface bonding of heterojunction. The charges separation efficiency was significantly improved, which effectively enhanced the photocatalytic activity.

Strong coupling of super-hydrophilic and vacancy-rich g-C3N4 and LDH heterostructure for wastewater purification: Adsorption-driven oxidation

Adsorption and wettability are crucial components of catalytic oxidation. To increase the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation/utilization efficiency of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activators, defect engineering and 2D nanosheet characteristics were used to regulate electronic structures and expose more active sites. Two-dimensional (2D) super-hydrophilic heterostructure by connecting cobalt species modified nitrogen vacancy-rich g-C3N4 (Vn-CN) and LDH (Vn-CN/Co/LDH) with high-density active sites and multi-vacancies, as well as high conductivity and adsorbability, to expedite ROS generation. The degradation rate constant of ofloxacin (OFX) was 0.441 min−1 via the Vn-CN/Co/LDH/PMS system, which was 1–2 orders greater than in the previous studies. Confirmation of the contribution ratios of various reactive oxygen species (ROS), SO4·- and 1O2 in bulk solution, O2·- on the catalyst surface was the most abundant ROS. The catalytic membrane was constructed utilizing Vn-CN/Co/LDH as the assembly element. The 2D membrane achieved the continuous effective discharge of OFX in the simulated water after 80 h/4 cycles of continuous flowing-through filtration-catalysis. This study provides fresh insights into designing a PMS activator for environmental remediation activated on demand.

Real-Time Degradation of Indoor Formaldehyde Released from Actual Particle Board by Heterostructured g-C3N4/TiO2 Photocatalysts under Visible Light

Indoor formaldehyde pollution causes a serious threat to human health since it is uninterruptedly released from wooden furniture. Herein, we prepared a g-C3N4-modified TiO2 composite photocatalyst and coated it on the surface of a commercial artificial particle board with the assistance of melamine formaldehyde adhesive. The g-C3N4/ TiO2 coating was then used to degrade formaldehyde which was released in real-time from the particle board under the irradiation of visible light. The results showed that compared with pure TiO2, the g-C3N4/ TiO2 composite with a heterojunction structure had a lower band gap energy (~2.6 eV), which could effectively capture luminous energy from the visible light region. Under continuous irradiation, the g-C3N4/ TiO2 photocatalytic coating was capable of degrading more than 50% of formaldehyde constantly released from the particle board. In the meantime, the photocatalytic coating also exhibited promising catalytic stability towards various formaldehyde release speeds, air flow velocities and environmental humidities. The hydroxyl radical and superoxide radical were found to be the predominant active species which triggered formaldehyde degradation. This study provides a feasible and practical approach for the improvement in indoor air quality through photocatalyst surface engineering.

V2O5 nanoribbons/N-deficient g-C3N4 heterostructure for enhanced visible-light photocatalytic performance

Visible-light-induced heterostructure photocatalysts have been regarded as promising candidates in clean energy production and environmental treatment of organic pollutants. In this study, we have prepared nanocomposites of V2O5/N-deficient g-C3N4 (VO/Ndef-CN), which have been characterized by a variety of techniques. The as-synthesized nanocomposites show efficient bifunctional photocatalytic properties toward hydrogen generation and pollutants degradation (dye and antibiotic). The optimized 5VO/Ndef-CN photocatalyst exhibits improved photoactivity for H2 production (5892 μmol g−1 h−1), with a high quantum yield of 6.5%, and fast degradation of organic pollutants, as well as high photocatalytic stability under visible light irradiation. The high photocatalytic efficiency is due to the presence of N defects and S-scheme heterojunction formation, which leads to rapid charge separation, enhanced visible-light absorption, and increased active sites. Furthermore, the possible activity-enhanced mechanism and the photodegradation pathway are proposed based on the experimental and density functional theory (DFT) investigations.

A dual-MOFs (Fe and Co)/g-C3N4 heterostructure composite for high-efficiently activating peroxymonosulfate in degradation of sertraline in water

A dual-MOFs (Fe and Co)/g-C3N4 heterojunction composite was successful constructed and used to activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for degrading sertraline (SER). The composite showed outstanding catalytic activity with 100% of SER removal efficiency in 60 min and the degradation rate 0.057 min−1. At the same time, the amount of catalyst, concentration of PMS and environmental pH on the degradation for SER were investigated in detail. The main degradation products and pathways of SER were analyzed by Gaussian theory calculation and high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). Based on the free radical quenching experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) characterization analysis, it was confirmed that •OH and SO4•- were produced in the catalytic reaction process, and explained catalytic mechanism elaborately. This work demonstrates the connection of MOF-Fe nanoparticles, micropores and heterojunction with the catalytic activity, providing an efficient catalytic system that can promote electron transfer and circulation of high activity center.

Facile fabrication of sulfuretted NiFe-layered double hydroxides/oxalic acid induced g-C3N4 Z-scheme heterojunction for enhanced photocatalytic removal of tetracycline and Cr(Ⅵ) under visible light irradiation

Novel sulfuretted NiFe-layered double hydroxides/oxalic acid induced g-C3N4 (NFS/OCN) heterostructures have been fabricated via a simple method and studied as photocatalysts for removal of tetracycline (TC) and Cr(Ⅵ) under visible light irradiation. Several advanced characterizations (XRD, SEM, TEM, XPS, PL, UV-Vis DRS, PL, etc.) were applied to identify its structure information of the as-obtained catalysts concerning the generation of the NFS sample, the presence of the heterojunction between NFS and OCN as well as triumphant incorporation of O into the structure of CN. In detailed, the photocatalytic removal efficiencies towards TC and Cr(Ⅵ) were 85.88 % and 93.69 % under the optimal conditions, which was ascribed to the enhanced light-harvesting ability, well transfer and separation efficiency of photo-generated carriers through the unique Z-scheme heterojunction structure. At last, the possible photocatalytic reaction mechanism is proposed.

Phosphoprotein Detection in Sweat Realized by Intercalation Structure 2D@3D g-C3N4@Fe3O4 Wearable Sensitive Motif.

Abnormal protein phosphorylation in sweat metabolites is closely related to cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other diseases. The real-time monitoring of phosphoproteins in sweat is significant for early monitoring of disease biomarkers. Here, a high-efficiency electrochemical sensor for phosphoprotein in sweat was realized by 2D@3D g-C3N4@Fe3O4 with intercalation structure. Common phosphoprotein β-Casein was selected to demonstrate the platform’s functionalities. The detection limit of g-C3N4@Fe3O4 could be as low as 9.7 μM, and the detection range was from 0.01 mg/mL to 1 mg/mL. In addition, the sensing platform showed good selectivity, reproducibility, and stability. We also investigated the effects of interface structure on adsorption properties and electronic properties of the g-C3N4 and Fe3O4 heterostructure using DFT. More electrons from Fe3O4 were transferred to g-C3N4, which increased the electrons in the energy band of N atoms and promoted the formation of stable N-H bonds with H atoms in phosphoproteins. We demonstrated phosphoprotein sensor functionality by measuring the phosphoprotein in human sweat during exercising. This work realizes a sensing platform for noninvasive and continuous detection of sweat phosphoproteins in wearable devices.

Multiple optimization strategies for improving photocatalytic performance of the h-BN/flower-ring g-C3N4 heterostructures: Morphology engineering and internal electric field effect

Morphology adjustment and semiconductor coupling have great potential in effectively improving the photocatalytic activity of graphite carbon nitride (g-C3N4). Herein, an advanced heterostructure photocatalyst constructed by hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) and flower-ring g-C3N4 (MCN) was successfully synthesized. Combining experiments and density functional theories (DFT) calculation, the photocatalytic process and charge transfer mechanism of h-BN/flower-ring g-C3N4 (BM) heterojunction were deeply studied. MCN had a large specific surface area, which increased the light absorption area and facilitated the exposure of active sites. Through the calculation of work function and energy band charge density distribution, a type II heterojunction was formed between h-BN and g-C3N4, and the migration direction of photogenerated charge was also consistent with this result. By calculating the three-dimensional differential charge density, it was verified that there was a built-in electric field at the interface between h-BN and g-C3N4. Electric field provided driving force for charge transfer. Based on the above positive factors, the photocatalytic performance of the composites was greatly improved, and the k value (0.0703 min−1) of photocatalytic degradation of TC was 33 times higher than that of bulk g-C3N4. This work provides a new strategy for the improvement of photocatalytic effects and broadens the applications of photocatalysts.

Facile synthesis of heterostructured g-C3N4/Ag -TiO2 photocatalysts with enhanced visible-light photocatalytic performance

In this study, the g-C3N4/Ag-TiO2 composite photocatalysts were prepared to enhance the efficient utilization of solar energy. The g-C3N4 was synthesized by facile heat treatment of urea at 600℃ for 4 h, and 0.05 wt% to 3 wt% Ag-TiO2 were obtained through the chemical reduction method. The composite photocatalysts were prepared by mixing the g-C3N4 and Ag-TiO2 with a weight ratio of 50:50 at room temperature. The photocatalytic efficiency was carried out by using 0.05 g of photocatalysts with 10 mg·L-1 of rhodamine B 120 mL under 60 min of visible light irradiation. The experimental results indicated that a sample with 0.1 wt% Ag-TiO2 could degrade rhodamine B up to 21.21%. The g-C3N4/(0.1 wt% Ag-TiO2) and g-C3N4 showed rhodamine B degradation efficiency up to 100%, which was 10.4 times and 4.7 times of pure TiO2 and 0.1 wt% Ag-TiO2, respectively. It can be suggested that the Ag deposited on TiO2 played an important role in the absorption capability under the visible light through the surface plasmon resonance effect. In addition, heterojunction between g-C3N4 and TiO2 could reduce the recombination of electron-hole pairs.

Strongly coupled cobalt/oxygen co-doped porous g-C3N4 heterostructure with abundant oxygen vacancies modulated the peroxymonosulfate activation pathway

• Co-O@CN-150 heterostructure was successfully fabricated. • Co-O@CN-150 completely degraded OFX within 20 min. • The synergy of abundant oxygen vacancies and Co-O-C bond accelerated the interfacial electron transfer. • Co-O@CN-150 tuned the PMS activation from radicals to non-radicals in weak acid conditions. • Catalytic membrane system achieved the catalytic self-cleaning performance during continuous filtration. How to resist the influence of inorganic ions and limit metal release for enhanced peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation have been always plagued by researchers. Herein, highly dispersed cobalt and oxygen co-doped porous g-C 3 N 4 heterostructure (Co-O@CN) from g-C 3 N 4 @ZIF-67 composites was successfully fabricated, which could completely degrade ofloxacin within 20 min. Detailed characterizations reflected that the porous Co-O@CN-150 heterostructure not only endowed more active sites to be exposed but also facilitated the formation of a stable conductive structure. Besides, the synergy of abundant oxygen vacancies and Co-O-C bond accelerated the interfacial electron transfer for promoting the redox of Co 2+ /Co 3+ . Notably, Co-O@CN-150 heterostructure tuned the PMS activation pathway from radicals to non-radicals in weak acid conditions. Besides, the fabricated catalytic membrane system exhibited excellent efficiency for instantaneous degradation of ofloxacin and achieved self-cleaning performance during continuous flow-through filtration. This work could deepen the understand of the role of the covalent bond and oxygen vacancy and provided a novel tactic for practical wastewater treatment.

Synthesis and Characterization of an α-Fe2O3-Decorated g-C3N4 Heterostructure for the Photocatalytic Removal of MO.

This study describes the preparation of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4), hematite (α-Fe2O3), and their g-C3N4/α-Fe2O3 heterostructure for the photocatalytic removal of methyl orange (MO) under visible light illumination. The facile hydrothermal approach was utilized for the preparation of the nanomaterials. Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) were carried out to study the physiochemical and optoelectronic properties of all the synthesized photocatalysts. Based on the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and UV-visible diffuse reflectance (DRS) results, an energy level diagram vs. SHE was established. The acquired results indicated that the nanocomposite exhibited a type-II heterojunction and degraded the MO dye by 97%. The degradation ability of the nanocomposite was higher than that of pristine g-C3N4 (41%) and α-Fe2O3 (30%) photocatalysts under 300 min of light irradiation. The formation of a type-II heterostructure with desirable band alignment and band edge positions for efficient interfacial charge carrier separation along with a larger specific surface area was collectively responsible for the higher photocatalytic efficiency of the g-C3N4/α-Fe2O3 nanocomposite. The mechanism of the nanocomposite was also studied through results obtained from UV-vis and XPS analyses. A reactive species trapping experiment confirmed the involvement of the superoxide radical anion (O2•−) as the key reactive oxygen species for MO removal. The degradation kinetics were also monitored, and the reaction was observed to be pseudo-first order. Moreover, the sustainability of the photocatalyst was also investigated.

Synergistic S-Scheme mechanism insights of g-C3N4 and rGO combined ZnO-Ag heterostructure nanocomposite for efficient photocatalytic and anticancer activities

The g-C3N4/rGO/ZnO-Ag (GCRZA) composite photocatalyst (PC) prepared by the facile hydrothermal method was effectively studied. The structural, morphological and optical, properties of as-synthesized materials were characterized by various characterization techniques. Photocatalytic activity of the as-prepared composite was examined using rhodamine B and methylene blue mixed (RhB+MB) aqueous dye under UV–visible light irradiation for 100 min. The GCRZA composite displayed a better photocatalytic performance against MB dye (90.04%) and RhB dye (83.45%) degradation performance. Moreover, the GCRZA composite PCs exhibited higher photocatalytic activity than pristine g-C3N4. The ultimate photocatalytic property was attained by implementating of g-C3N4/rGO in ZnO-Ag heterostructure, which could effectively decrease the optical bandgap and high visible-light absorption ability with suppressed e−/h+ recombination rate. After the five consecutive photocatalytic recycles, the GCRZA composite PC showed good stability without structural changes. Furthermore, the IC50 values showed that GCRZA nanocomposite (NC) has a higher cytotoxicity effect than g-C3N4/ZnO-Ag, g-C3N4/rGO and g-C3N4 against both HeLa and MCF-7 cell lines. As a result, this combination of nanocomposite has proven to exhibit higher photocatalytic and anticancer activity. Eventually, it may prove to be an effective tool for eradicating dye pollution from wastewater, and a way to prevent cancer mediated diseases in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries.

A “green” all-organic heterostructure functionalized by self-assembled fullerene small molecule with enhanced photocatalytic activity

Photocatalysis has been reported as a potential water purification technology for combating the pathogenic bacteria and degrading the hazardous chemicals. The photoactive organic semiconductors as the emerging class of an alternative to the traditional developed inorganic semiconductors are being widely pursued due to their tunable structures and low toxicity. Herein, the all-organic [6,6]-phenyl C71 butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM)/g-C3N4 heterostructure have been created by introducing self-assembled n-type fullerene small molecule to the g-C3N4 surface in situ. The absorption edge of the heterostructures with PC71BM as the photosensitizer extend from 450 to 650 nm. Moreover, the charge separation and transfer efficiencies of the photocatalysts are greatly promoted even with 1.0% amount of PC71BM because of its low reorganization energy and high reduction potential. All of these superiorities endow the heterostructures with over 99.7% antibacterial rates toward E. coli and S. aureus and excellent performance against their biofilms after irradiation for 135 and 180 min, respectively. Additionally, the heterostructures achieve excellent photocatalytic degradation ability for Rhodamine B and tetracycline. Importantly, the in vitro experiments reveal that the as-prepared heterostructures possess satisfactory biocompatibility and their toxicity is negligible. This study provides a new perspective for designing ecofriendly all-organic heterostructures with high photocatalytic activity.

A Dual-Mofs (Fe and Co)/G-C3n4 Heterostructure Composite for High-Efficiently Activating Peroxymonosulfate in Degradation of Sertraline in Water

A Dual-Mofs (Fe and Co)/G-C3n4 Heterostructure Composite for High-Efficiently Activating Peroxymonosulfate in Degradation of Sertraline in Water

Heterostructures assembled from graphitic carbon nitride and Ti3C2Tx MXene as high-capacity cathode for aluminum batteries

As a compelling complement to lithium batteries, rechargeable aluminum batteries (RABs) have attracted considerable attention because of abundant natural resources, high volumetric capacity, and safety property of aluminum metal. However, the deployment of RABs is hampered by the lack of favorable cathodes with high capacity and rapid kinetics. To address the long-unresolved issue of aluminum-storage capacity and rate, here we design a heterostructured g-C3N4/Ti3C2Tx hybrid which offers a conductive supporting framework to maintain structural integrity and accelerate electronic transport. The energy storage mechanism of the heterostructured g-C3N4/Ti3C2Tx cathode was demonstrated as the reversible intercalation of AlCl4− during cycling. Moreover, the battery-capacitance model mechanism in the heterostructured g-C3N4/Ti3C2Tx hybrids may accelerate the kinetics of the electrode reactions. Furthermore, DFT calculations certify that heterostructured g-C3N4/Ti3C2Tx possesses enhanced electrical conductivity and Al trapping capability. Accordingly, the heterostructured g-C3N4/Ti3C2Tx cathode affords RABs with an excellent Al-storage property (237 mAh g-1 at 0.5 A g-1) and considerable rate capabilities (174 mAh g-1 at 4 A g-1) among state-of-the-art cathode materials for aluminum batteries.

G-C3N4/MoS2 Heterojunction for Photocatalytic Removal of Phenol and Cr(VI)

In this study, molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) decorated on graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) heterostructure catalysts at various weight ratios (0.5%, 1%, 3%, 10%, w/w) were successfully prepared via a two-step hydrothermal synthesis preparation method. The properties of the synthesized materials were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FT-IR), UV–Vis diffuse reflection spectroscopy (DRS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and N2 porosimetry. MoS2 was successfully loaded on the g-C3N4 forming heterojunction composite materials. N2 porosimetry results showed mesoporous materials, with surface areas up to 93.7 m2g−1, while determined band gaps ranging between 1.31 and 2.66 eV showed absorption over a wide band of solar light. The photocatalytic performance was evaluated towards phenol oxidation and of Cr(VI) reduction in single and binary systems under simulated sunlight irradiation. The optimum mass loading ratio of MoS2 in g-C3N4 was 1%, showing higher photocatalytic activity under simulated solar light in comparison with bare g-C3N4 and MoS2 for both oxidation and reduction processes. Based on scavenging experiments a type-II photocatalytic mechanism is proposed. Finally, the catalysts presented satisfactory stability (7.8% loss) within three catalytic cycles. Such composite materials can receive further applications as well as energy conversion.

In Situ Wrapping of Oriented NaNbO3 with Carbon Nitride to Synergistically Enhance Photoelectrical Utilization at NaNbO3/g-C3N4 Heterostructures

Abstract Synergetic effects were observed in an oriented-NaNbO3/g-C3N4 heterostructure system synthesized from in situ pyrolysis of urea with hydrothermally prepared NaNbO3 microcuboids. Chemically wrapping NaNbO3 with an appropriate amount of g-C3N4 forms an efficient heterojunction which separates photoexcited charges, and the internal electric field produced by oriented NaNbO3 grains facilitates their transfer. The mechanism developed here is applicable to enhancing photoelectrical utilization in other perovskite systems.

Enhanced H2 evolution through water splitting using TiO2/ultrathin g-C3N4: A type II heterojunction photocatalyst fabricated by in situ thermal exfoliation

Designing a photocatalyst material with reduced recombination of photogenerated charges is one of the most important aspects of hydrogen generation through solar water splitting. Here, we report hydrogen generation using the TiO2/ultrathin g-C3N4 (U-g-CN) heterostructure fabricated using a unique in situ thermal exfoliation process. Multilayer g-CN is converted into U-g-CN having a high surface (∼190 m2/g) area by calcination at ∼550 °C through oxygen-induced exfoliation, which also forms a robust heterostructure with TiO2. In addition, the presence of g-CN also inhibits further growth of TiO2 nanoparticles, thereby retaining a high specific surface area. The presence of U-g-CN causes a redshift (∼0.13 eV) in the absorption edge of heterostructure compared to that of bare TiO2, which extends the light absorption capability. Addition of 40 wt. % of multilayer g-CN to TiO2 shows an enhanced H2 evolution rate, which is ∼15 times and ∼4 times higher compared to that of bare TiO2 and U-g-CN, respectively. Photoluminescence (PL) and time-resolved PL (TRPL) studies indicate a reduced recombination rate of photogenerated charge carriers with an increase in the average lifetime from 10.53 (TiO2) to 13.32 ns (TiO2/U-g-CN40). The interfacial charge transport characteristics studied through impedance spectroscopy reveal a reduced charge transfer resistance at the semiconductor–electrolyte interface, which facilitates faster charge separation due to the heterostructure formation. The band edge positions are estimated through flatband potential from the Mott–Schottky measurements and optical absorption data, indicating a type-II heterojunction. More light absorption and enhanced separation of photogenerated charges at the heterojunction interface lead to better photocatalytic H2 generation.

Synergistic effects of Tin sulfide Nitrogen-doped titania Nanobelt-Modified graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets with outstanding photocatalytic activity

Designing efficient ternary nanostructures is a feasible approach for energy production under simulated solar irradiation. In this study, excellent photoexcited charge carrier separation and enhanced visible-light response were achieved with nitrogen-doped titania nanobelts (N-TNBs), whose 1D geometry facilitated the fabrication of a heterostructure with SnS2 on the surface of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4). We established the design of SnS2@N-TNB and SnS2@N-TNB/g-C3N4 heterostructures by in situ hydrothermal and ultrasonication processes, and achieved commendable simulated solar light driven photocatalytic H2 generation. UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy analysis revealed a red shift in the absorption spectra of the SnS2@N-TNB and SnS2@N-TNB/g-C3N4 samples. The H2 produced via SnS2@N-TNB-10/g-C3N4 (6730.8 µmol/g/h) was 2.6 times higher than that produced by SnS2@N-TNB (2515.1 µmol/g/h), and 299 times higher than that produced by N-TNB (22.5 µmol/g/h). The improved photocatalytic H2 production was attributed to the maximum interface contact between SnS2@N-TNB and g-C3N4, and to the improved visible-light absorption and effective charge-carrier separation. Therefore, the present study provides novel insights for combining the advantages of ternary materials to improve the conversion of solar energy to H2 fuel.