Strengthening reactive metal–support interaction to stabilize Ni species on the nitrogen vacancies of g-C3N4 for boosting photocatalytic H2 production. Issue 21 (23rd September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wu, Guangyu; Liu, Qi; Ma, Li; Wu, Hualong; Li, Yayu; Han, Jiangang; Chen, Gang; Xing, Weinan
• Is Part Of: Catalysis science & technology. Volume 11:Issue 21(2021)
• Page Start: 7134
• Page End: 7140
• Publication Date: 2021-09-23
• Subjects: Catalysis -- Periodicals; 541.395
• DOI: 10.1039/d1cy01437d
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2044-4753

Abstract

Abstract : A modified graphitic carbon nitride (CN) photocatalyst (DCN–Ni) is fabricated by stabilizing Ni species on the nitrogen vacancies of g-C3 N4 for improving photocatalytic H2 generation activity. Abstract : A noble-metal-free Ni species-modified graphitic carbon nitride (CN) photocatalyst (DCN–Ni) is fabricated by stabilizing Ni species on the nitrogen vacancies of g-C3 N4 . The experimental observation expresses that the nitrogen vacancies in g-C3 N4 arouse an obvious electron-deficient effect, which significantly promotes the metal–support interaction by interface bonding states. This strong metal–support interaction builds a conducive highway (Ni–C bonding states) for electrons to transfer from DCN to the Ni species, which contributes to the high separation and transportation efficiency of charge carriers. As a result, the outstanding H2 -evolution activity over DCN–Ni2 reaches up to about 1.75 times higher than that of Pt/g-C3 N4 under visible light. The structure characteristic reveals that the strong metal–support interaction not only stabilizes the Ni species on the electron-deficient g-C3 N4 via interface bonding states, but also allows the Ni species to optimize the electronic structures of g-C3 N4 for a highly efficient photocatalytic H2 evolution reaction. This work supplies a reliable guideline for designing and constructing a low-cost, highly efficient, and durable cocatalyst acting on g-C3 N4, opening a new channel and possibility for energy and environment-related applications.