Directional electron delivery via a vertical channel between g-C3N4 layers promotes photocatalytic efficiency. Issue 19 (2nd May 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Li, Jieyuan; Cui, Wen; Sun, Yanjuan; Chu, Yinghao; Cen, Wanglai; Dong, Fan
• Is Part Of: Journal of materials chemistry. Volume 5:Issue 19(2017)
• Page Start: 9358
• Page End: 9364
• Publication Date: 2017-05-02
• Subjects: Materials -- Research -- Periodicals; Chemistry, Analytic -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Research -- Periodicals; 543.0284
• DOI: 10.1039/c7ta02183f
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2050-7488

Abstract

Abstract : Mediated by intercalated alkalis between the layers of g-C3 N4, a directional electron delivery channel vertical to the planes has been established, which enhances charge separation and transfer, thus significantly improving the g-C3 N4 photocatalytic efficiency. Abstract : Suffering from inefficient charge separation and random charge transfer between its planes, the photocatalytic efficiency of g-C3 N4 is still unsatisfactory. Herein, this challenging issue is tackled via intercalating alkalis into the interlayer space in g-C3 N4 to create a vertical channel between the layers for directional electron delivery, which is a novel strategy to effectively quench charge recombination and promote electron transfer. Using a close combination of theoretical and experimental methods, the alkalis intercalated in g-C3 N4 have been designed and fabricated. The alkali species could suppress random charge transfer between the planes of g-C3 N4 and enable the electrons to directionally migrate between adjacent layers in a one-way transmission manner. In an unprecedented result, the photocatalytic efficiency of g-C3 N4 is significantly improved by 115.0% via alkali intercalation and it is also stable for recycled usage. This work could provide a feasible protocol for the modification of a wide range of 2D materials, and shed new light on the understanding of photocatalytic mechanisms.