Enhanced H₂evolution performance by carbonized SiC/g-C₃N₄heterojunction under visible-light illumination

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Photocatalysis
• Green Chemistry

Background:

• Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) is a promising material for photocatalysis but suffers from limited efficiency.
• Developing efficient photocatalysts is crucial for sustainable hydrogen production and environmental remediation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate novel carbonized silicon carbide/graphitic carbon nitride ((SiC/C)/g-C₃N₄) composites.
• To enhance the visible-light photocatalytic activity of g-C₃N₄ for water splitting.
• To engineer the energy band structure of g-C₃N₄ for improved hydrogen production.

Main Methods:

• Facile calcination method for synthesizing (SiC/C)/g-C₃N₄ composites.
• Characterization of composite structure and properties.
• Evaluation of photocatalytic hydrogen evolution using triethanolamine as a sacrificial agent and platinum as a cocatalyst.

Main Results:

• The optimal (SiC/C)/g-C₃N₄ composite exhibited excellent visible-light photocatalytic activity.
• The highest hydrogen evolution amount reached 200.2 μmol, which is four times higher than that of pure g-C₃N₄.
• An intimate interface between SiC/C and g-C₃N₄ was achieved, enabling effective energy band engineering.

Conclusions:

• The fabricated (SiC/C)/g-C₃N₄ composite demonstrates superior performance for photocatalytic water splitting.
• The study presents a novel and effective method for creating g-C₃N₄-based heterojunctions.
• This advancement holds significant potential for environmental conservation through efficient hydrogen production.