1. Ethanol-based edge functionalization and interlayer phosphate group-mediation of co-modified g-C3N4: Regulation of electron distribution and carrier transport for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution.
- Author
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Wang, Na, Cheng, Lingyun, Zhang, Xigui, and Xiang, Quanjun
- Abstract
Functional group modification is one of the most commonly used modification techniques for graphite-phase carbon nitride. Here, we report a novel approach to synthesize a photocatalyst (P–UCN-NA) via two-step thermal polymerization. By co-modifying the ethanol groups and phosphate groups to the edges and interlayers of graphite-phase carbon nitride (UCN), respectively, carriers could quickly transfer among the layers of P–UCN-NA, leading to a decrease in recombination. The successful of functionalization was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) characterization. The significant shift of the XPS spectral peak and the appearance of a new peak at a low binding energy of 531 eV indicate that the co-modified photocatalyst has successfully anchored both the ethanol functional group and the phosphate group, forming chemical interactions with them. As the consequence, the co-modified photocatalyst took the advantage of the ethanol group grafted to the edge as an electron donor to accelerate the transfer of electrons to the specific center. Meanwhile, the phosphate group inserted into the middle layer functioned as a carrier transport channel, effectively shortening the charge transfer distance. Under visible light irradiation, the maximum hydrogen evolution rate of P–UCN-NA was 72.17 μmol/h, 13.4 times that of the original g-C 3 N 4 (5.29 μmol/h). This study provides a new idea for the development of functional group-modified photocatalysts. • A graphite-phase carbon nitride photocatalyst co-modified by an ethanol group and a phosphate group was developed. • A new theoretical model of a bifunctional, co-modified carbon nitride photocatalyst was proposed. • Grafted ethanol groups can adjust the band structure and accelerate the electron drive. • The co-functional group functionalization of g-C 3 N 4 enhances the reaction kinetics and promotes H 2 evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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