Graphene/Pyridylporphyrin Hybrids Interfacially Linked with Rare Earth Ions for Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution

Development of highly active photocatalysts is one of the key topics for H2 production. Modifying the microstructure and exploring the electron transfer mechanism of the materials are very vital to achieve high-quality catalysts. Herein, by means of the bridging of rare-earth ions (Ln), a novel nanohybrid (GO–Ln–DPDPP) constructed of graphene oxide (GO) pillared with 5,15-diphenyl-10,20-di(4-pyridyl)porphyrin (DPDPP) was prepared by electrostatic interaction combined with coordination interaction. It was shown that the microstructure and morphology of the nanohybrid were greatly affected by the Ln introduced. Meanwhile, photoproduced electron transfer in the hybrid can be effectively promoted by the Ln implanted in the GO. Photocatalytic H2 production and the electron transfer mechanism were further explored. It was shown that, on the basis of the bridging of the Ln, lower interfacial resistance and higher separation of electron and hole caused by the strong interaction between DPDPP and GO were responsib...