Nature‐Inspired Environmental "Phosphorylation" Boosts Photocatalytic H2 Production over Carbon Nitride Nanosheets under Visible‐Light Irradiation. Issue 46 (21st September 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Liu, Guigao; Wang, Tao; Zhang, Huabin; Meng, Xianguang; Hao, Dong; Chang, Kun; Li, Peng; Kako, Tetsuya; Ye, Jinhua
• Is Part Of: Angewandte Chemie international edition. Volume 54:Issue 46(2015)
• Page Start: 13561
• Page End: 13565
• Publication Date: 2015-09-21
• Subjects: energy conversion -- graphitic carbon nitride -- hydrogen production -- photocatalysis -- photosynthesis; Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540
• DOI: 10.1002/anie.201505802
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1433-7851

Abstract

Abstract: Inspired by the crucial roles of phosphates in natural photosynthesis, we explored an environmental "phosphorylation" strategy for boosting photocatalytic H2 production over g‐C3 N4 nanosheets under visible light. As expected, a substantial improvement was observed in the rate of H2 evolution to 947 μmol h −1, and the apparent quantum yield was as high as 26.1 % at 420 nm. The synergy of enhanced proton reduction and improved hole oxidation is proposed to account for the markedly increased activity. Our findings may provide a promising and facile approach to highly efficient photocatalysis for solar‐energy conversion. Abstract : The right environment for success : A "phosphorylation" strategy inspired by natural photosynthesis was explored to boost photocatalytic H2 production over g‐C3 N4 nanosheets. Thus, the addition of a phosphate led to a high apparent quantum yield (AQY). Experimental and theoretical results indicated that the large increase in activity was due to the synergy of enhanced proton reduction and improved hole oxidation (see picture; TEOA=triethanolamine).