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Keywords = graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets

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18 pages, 4672 KiB  
Article
Tailoring Porosity and CO2 Capture Performance of Covalent Organic Frameworks Through Hybridization with Two-Dimensional Nanomaterials
by Hani Nasser Abdelhamid
Inorganics 2025, 13(7), 237; https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics13070237 - 11 Jul 2025
Viewed by 416
Abstract
This study reported covalent organic frameworks (COFs) and their hybrid composites with two-dimensional materials, graphene oxide (GO), graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4), and boron nitride (BN), to examine their structural, textural, and gas adsorption properties. Material characterization confirmed the crystallinity [...] Read more.
This study reported covalent organic frameworks (COFs) and their hybrid composites with two-dimensional materials, graphene oxide (GO), graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4), and boron nitride (BN), to examine their structural, textural, and gas adsorption properties. Material characterization confirmed the crystallinity of COF-1 and the preservation of framework integrity after integrating the 2D nanomaterials. FT-IR spectra exhibited pronounced vibrational fingerprints of imine linkages and validated the functional groups from the COF and the integrated nanomaterials. TEM images revealed the integration of the two components, porous, layered structures with indications of interfacial interactions between COF and 2D nanosheets. Nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherms revealed the microporous characteristics of the COFs, with hysteresis loops evident, indicating the development of supplementary mesopores at the interface between COF-1 and the 2D materials. The BET surface area of pristine COF-1 was maximal at 437 m2/g, accompanied by significant micropore and Langmuir surface areas of 348 and 1290 m2/g, respectively, offering enhanced average pore widths and hierarchical porous strcuture. CO2 adsorption tests were investigated showing maximum adsorption capacitiy of 1.47 mmol/g, for COF-1, closely followed by COF@BN at 1.40 mmol/g, underscoring the preserved sorption capabilities of these materials. These findings demonstrate the promise of designed COF-based hybrids for gas capture, separation, and environmental remediation applications. Full article
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25 pages, 8071 KiB  
Article
The Interface Interaction of C3N4/Bi2S3 Promoted the Separation of Excitons and the Extraction of Free Photogenerated Carriers in the Broadband Light Spectrum Range
by Xingfa Ma, Xintao Zhang, Mingjun Gao, Ruifen Hu, You Wang and Guang Li
Inorganics 2025, 13(4), 122; https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics13040122 - 12 Apr 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 576
Abstract
Exciton generation and separation play an important role in the photoelectric properties and the luminescence performance of materials. In order to tailor the defects and grain boundaries and improve the exciton separation and light harvesting of the graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N [...] Read more.
Exciton generation and separation play an important role in the photoelectric properties and the luminescence performance of materials. In order to tailor the defects and grain boundaries and improve the exciton separation and light harvesting of the graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) nanosheets, a C3N4/bismuth sulfide (Bi2S3) nanocomposite was synthesized. The photoelectric properties of the 405, 532, 650, 780, 808, 980 and 1064 nm light sources were studied using Au electrodes and graphite electrodes with 4B and 5B pencil drawings. The results indicate that the C3N4/Bi2S3 nanocomposite exhibited photocurrent switching behavior in the broadband light spectrum range. It is noted that even with zero bias applied, a good photoelectric signal was still measured. The resulting nanocomposite exhibited good photophysical stability. Physical mechanisms are discussed herein. It is suggested that the interfacial interaction of C3N4 and Bi2S3 in the nanocomposite creates a strong built-in electric field, which accelerates the separation of excitons. Therefore, as a dynamic process of photoexcitation, fluorescence, the photoelectric effect, and scattering are three main competing processes; the separation of excitons and the extraction of free photogenerated charge can be used as a reference for the fluorescent materials or other photoelectric materials studies as photophysical properties. This study also serves as an important reference for the design, defect and grain boundary modulation or interdisciplinary application of functional nanocomposites, especially for the bandgap modulation and suppression of photogenerated carrier recombination. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis and Application of Luminescent Materials, 2nd Edition)
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32 pages, 6990 KiB  
Review
Graphitic Carbon Nitride Nanomaterials-Based Electrochemical Sensing Interfaces for Monitoring Heavy Metal Ions in Aqueous Environments
by Cheng Yin, Yao Liu, Tingting Hu and Xing Chen
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(7), 564; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15070564 - 7 Apr 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 954
Abstract
The persistent threat of heavy metal ions (e.g., Pb2+, Hg2+, Cd2+) in aqueous environments to human health underscores an urgent need for advanced sensing platforms capable of rapid and precise pollutant monitoring. Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3 [...] Read more.
The persistent threat of heavy metal ions (e.g., Pb2+, Hg2+, Cd2+) in aqueous environments to human health underscores an urgent need for advanced sensing platforms capable of rapid and precise pollutant monitoring. Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4), a metal-free polymeric semiconductor, has emerged as a revolutionary material for constructing next-generation environmental sensors due to its exceptional physicochemical properties, including tunable electronic structure, high chemical/thermal stability, large surface area, and unique optical characteristics. This review systematically explores the integration of g-C3N4 with functional nanomaterials (e.g., metal nanoparticles, metal oxide nanomaterials, carbonaceous materials, and conduction polymer) to engineer high-performance sensing interfaces for heavy metal detection. The structure-property relationship is critically analyzed, emphasizing how morphology engineering (nanofibers, nanosheets, and mesoporous) and surface functionalization strategies enhance sensitivity and selectivity. Advanced detection mechanisms are elucidated, including electrochemical signal amplification, and photoinduced electron transfer processes enabled by g-C3N4’s tailored bandgap and surface active sites. Furthermore, this review addresses challenges in real-world deployment, such as scalable nanomaterial synthesis, matrix interference mitigation, and long-term reliable detection. This work provides valuable insights for advancing g-C3N4-based electrochemical sensing technologies toward sustainable environmental monitoring and intelligent pollution control systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Nanoscience and Nanotechnology)
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13 pages, 9751 KiB  
Article
Synthesis of Black g-C3N4 and Exploration of the Mechanism Underlying the Enhancement of Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction
by Shaokun Lv, Jun Zhang, Xiaoke Chen, Yue Zou, Qiuli Chen, Yongsheng Yan and Pengxin Li
Catalysts 2025, 15(4), 349; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15040349 - 2 Apr 2025
Viewed by 505
Abstract
The use of solar energy to convert CO2 into value-added chemicals is a promising sustainable development strategy. In this study, a black graphitic carbon nitride (CN-B) photocatalyst was fabricated through a single-step calcination process, employing phloxine B and urea as the precursor [...] Read more.
The use of solar energy to convert CO2 into value-added chemicals is a promising sustainable development strategy. In this study, a black graphitic carbon nitride (CN-B) photocatalyst was fabricated through a single-step calcination process, employing phloxine B and urea as the precursor materials. The catalysts were characterized using TEM, XRD, FTIR, XPS and so on. The amount of prepolymer phloxine B was 25 mg, 35 mg and 45 mg, respectively, and the obtained samples were CN-B-0.025, CN-B-0.035 and CN-B-0.045. All samples were used for visible-catalyzed CO2 reduction. The experimental findings indicate that the CO evolution rate of the optimal photocatalyst CN-B-0.035 reaches 27.56 μmol gcat.−1 h−1. This value is nine-fold higher than that of pure CN, which has a CO evolution rate of 3.22 μmol gcat.−1 h−1. The excellent photocatalytic reduction performance is due to the following factors: Firstly, the exceedingly thin nanosheet structure of the catalyst enhances the velocity of the charge transfer, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis shows that the nanosheet thickness of the catalyst CN-B is significantly thinner. Secondly, the light absorption capacity of the catalyst is enhanced. The absorbance of CN-B increases significantly in the ultraviolet region and extends to the near-infrared region, as shown with UV diffuse reflection spectroscopy. Finally, the photothermal effect of CN-B causes the catalyst temperature to rise rapidly from 20 °C to 131 °C within 120 s, which further promotes photogenerated carrier separation. This research offers a novel approach to the development of photocatalysts aimed at the photothermal-assisted photocatalytic conversion of CO2. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mineral-Based Composite Catalytic Materials)
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15 pages, 3809 KiB  
Article
Graphitic Carbon Nitride Confers Bacterial Tolerance to Antibiotics in Wastewater Relating to ATP Depletion
by Shuo Liu, Lin Teng and Jiantao Ping
Molecules 2024, 29(23), 5780; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29235780 - 6 Dec 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 913
Abstract
Graphitic carbon nitride (C3N4) is a kind of visible light-responsive photocatalyst that has been of great interest in wastewater treatment. However, its environmental impact and biological effect remains to be elucidated. This study investigated the effect of C3 [...] Read more.
Graphitic carbon nitride (C3N4) is a kind of visible light-responsive photocatalyst that has been of great interest in wastewater treatment. However, its environmental impact and biological effect remains to be elucidated. This study investigated the effect of C3N4 nanosheets on bacterial abundance and antibiotic tolerance in wastewater. Interestingly, as compared to the wastewater containing the antibiotic ofloxacin alone, the wastewater containing both ofloxacin and C3N4 had much higher numbers of total living bacteria, but lower levels of the ofloxacin-resistant bacteria and the ofloxacin-resistant gene qnrS. The model bacterium Staphylococcus aureus was then used to explore the mechanism of C3N4-induced antibiotic tolerance. The nanosheets neither adsorbed the antibiotic nor promoted drug efflux, uncovering that drug adsorption and efflux were not involved in antibiotic tolerance. Further investigations revealed that the nanosheets, like arsenate and menadione, drastically reduced ATP levels and induced the production of reactive oxygen species for enhanced antibiotic tolerance. This study revealed an antibiotic-tolerating mechanism associated with C3N4-induced ATP depletion, and shed a light on the effect of photocatalysts on microbial ecology during their application in wastewater treatment. Full article
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16 pages, 8407 KiB  
Article
SnO2 Quantum Dot-Decorated g-C3N4 Ultrathin Nanosheets: A Dual-Function Photocatalyst for Pollutant Degradation and Hydrogen Evolution
by Surya Veerendra Prabhakar Vattikuti, Hemanth P. K. Sudhani, Mohamed A. Habila, P. Rosaiah and Jaesool Shim
Catalysts 2024, 14(11), 824; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal14110824 - 15 Nov 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1498
Abstract
The development of advanced functional composite materials for degrading industrial pollutants and achieving photocatalytic hydrogen (H2) production using abundant solar energy is pivotal in new and renewable energy research. This study presents the synthesis of a nanostructure comprising SnO2 quantum [...] Read more.
The development of advanced functional composite materials for degrading industrial pollutants and achieving photocatalytic hydrogen (H2) production using abundant solar energy is pivotal in new and renewable energy research. This study presents the synthesis of a nanostructure comprising SnO2 quantum dots (QDs) randomly dispersed on the surface of graphitic carbon nitride (C3N4) nanosheets (Sn-C3N4), achieved through the thermal decomposition of melamine and a tin precursor. The synthesized materials were extensively characterized using various analytical techniques, with HRTEM analysis confirming the strong interaction between SnO2 QDs and C3N4. The influence of SnO2 QDs on the nanocomposite’s photocatalytic performance was evaluated, particularly regarding H2 production and the degradation of crystal violet (CV) dye under simulated solar-light irradiation. The SnO2-loaded C3N4 nanostructure exhibited a marked enhancement in photocatalytic activity, attributed to the synergistic effects of the quantum-sized SnO2 nanoparticles. The optimized photocatalyst, 3-Sn-C3N4, demonstrated superior photocatalytic efficiency, achieving 95% degradation of CV dye within 45 min under simulated sunlight, significantly outperforming bare C3N4. Furthermore, the 3-Sn-C3N4 nanostructure attained the highest H2 yield of 1305.4 μmol/h/g, a 4.6-fold increase compared with bare C3N4 (281 μmol/h/g). Enhanced photocatalytic performance was corroborated by photocurrent and EIS studies, which highlighted reduced charge carrier recombination as a critical factor in the improved activity. The underlying photocatalytic mechanisms were also examined. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Catalysis)
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17 pages, 6764 KiB  
Article
Construction of Cu2Y2O5/g-C3N4 Novel Composite for the Sensitive and Selective Trace-Level Electrochemical Detection of Sulfamethazine in Food and Water Samples
by Rajendran Surya, Subramanian Sakthinathan, Ganesh Abinaya Meenakshi, Chung-Lun Yu and Te-Wei Chiu
Sensors 2024, 24(17), 5844; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24175844 - 9 Sep 2024
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1459
Abstract
The most frequently used sulfonamide is sulfamethazine (SMZ) because it is often found in foods made from livestock, which is hazardous for individuals. Here, we have developed an easy, quick, selective, and sensitive analytical technique to efficiently detect SMZ. Recently, transition metal oxides [...] Read more.
The most frequently used sulfonamide is sulfamethazine (SMZ) because it is often found in foods made from livestock, which is hazardous for individuals. Here, we have developed an easy, quick, selective, and sensitive analytical technique to efficiently detect SMZ. Recently, transition metal oxides have attracted many researchers for their excellent performance as a promising sensor for SMZ analysis because of their superior redox activity, electrocatalytic activity, electroactive sites, and electron transfer properties. Further, Cu-based oxides have a resilient electrical conductivity; however, to boost it to an extreme extent, a composite including two-dimensional (2D) graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) nanosheets needs to be constructed and ready as a composite (denoted as g-C3N4/Cu2Y2O5). Moreover, several techniques, including X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy analysis, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy were employed to analyze the composites. The electrochemical measurements have revealed that the constructed g-C3N4/Cu2Y2O5 composites exhibit great electrochemical activity. Nevertheless, the sensor achieved outstanding repeatability and reproducibility alongside a low limit of detection (LOD) of 0.23 µM, a long linear range of 2 to 276 µM, and an electrode sensitivity of 8.86 µA µM−1 cm−2. Finally, the proposed GCE/g-C3N4/Cu2Y2O5 electrode proved highly effective for detection of SMZ in food samples, with acceptable recoveries. The GCE/g-C3N4/Cu2Y2O5 electrode has been successfully applied to SMZ detection in food and water samples. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances and Applications of Electrochemical Sensors and Biosensors)
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15 pages, 3424 KiB  
Article
Carbon-Based Materials in Combined Adsorption/Ozonation for Indigo Dye Decolorization in Constrain Contact Time
by Naghmeh Fallah, Ermelinda Bloise, Elisa I. García-López and Giuseppe Mele
Molecules 2024, 29(17), 4144; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29174144 - 31 Aug 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1286
Abstract
This study presents a comprehensive evaluation of catalytic ozonation as an effective strategy for indigo dye bleaching, particularly examining the performance of four carbon-based catalysts, activated carbon (AC), multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4), and thermally etched [...] Read more.
This study presents a comprehensive evaluation of catalytic ozonation as an effective strategy for indigo dye bleaching, particularly examining the performance of four carbon-based catalysts, activated carbon (AC), multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4), and thermally etched nanosheets (C3N4-TE). The study investigates the efficiency of catalytic ozonation in degrading Potassium indigotrisulfonate (ITS) dye within the constraints of short contact times, aiming to simulate real-world industrial wastewater treatment conditions. The results reveal that all catalysts demonstrated remarkable decolorization efficiency, with over 99% of indigo dye removed within just 120 s of mixing time. Besides, the study delves into the mechanisms underlying catalytic ozonation reactions, elucidating the intricate interactions between the catalysts, ozone, and indigo dye molecules with the processes being influenced by factors such as PZC, pKa, and pH. Furthermore, experiments were conducted to analyze the adsorption characteristics of indigo dye on the surfaces of the materials and its impact on the catalytic ozonation process. MWCNT demonstrated the highest adsorption efficiency, effectively removing 43.4% of the indigo dye color over 60 s. Although the efficiency achieved with C3N4-TE was 21.4%, which is approximately half of that achieved with MWCNT and less than half of that with AC, it is noteworthy given the significantly lower surface area of C3N4-TE. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Research Progress of Novel Ion Adsorbents)
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11 pages, 3367 KiB  
Article
Thermal Exfoliation and Phosphorus Doping in Graphitic Carbon Nitride for Efficient Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production
by Lu Chen, Linzhu Zhang, Yuzhou Xia, Renkun Huang, Ruowen Liang, Guiyang Yan and Xuxu Wang
Molecules 2024, 29(15), 3666; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29153666 - 2 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1356
Abstract
Photocatalytic H2 evolution has been regarded as a promising technology to alleviate the energy crisis. Designing graphitic carbon nitride materials with a large surface area, short diffusion paths for electrons, and more exposed reactive sites are beneficial for hydrogen evolution. In this [...] Read more.
Photocatalytic H2 evolution has been regarded as a promising technology to alleviate the energy crisis. Designing graphitic carbon nitride materials with a large surface area, short diffusion paths for electrons, and more exposed reactive sites are beneficial for hydrogen evolution. In this study, a facile method was proposed to dope P into a graphitic carbon nitride framework by calcining melamine with 2-aminoethylphosphonic acid. Meanwhile, PCN nanosheets (PCNSs) were obtained through a thermal exfoliation strategy. Under visible light, the PCNS sample displayed a hydrogen evolution rate of 700 μmol·g−1·h−1, which was 43.8-fold higher than that of pure g-C3N4. In addition, the PCNS photocatalyst also displayed good photostability for four consecutive cycles, with a total reaction time of 12 h. Its outstanding photocatalytic performance was attributed to the higher surface area exposing more reactive sites and the enlarged band edge for photoreduction potentials. This work provides a facile strategy to regulate catalytic structures, which may attract great research interest in the field of catalysis. Full article
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10 pages, 3782 KiB  
Article
Photocatalytic Generation of Singlet Oxygen by Graphitic Carbon Nitride for Antibacterial Applications
by Davida Briana DuBois, Isabelle Rivera, Qiming Liu, Bingzhe Yu, Kevin Singewald, Glenn L. Millhauser, Chad Saltikov and Shaowei Chen
Materials 2024, 17(15), 3787; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17153787 - 1 Aug 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1431
Abstract
Carbon-based functional nanocomposites have emerged as potent antimicrobial agents and can be exploited as a viable option to overcome antibiotic resistance of bacterial strains. In the present study, graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets are prepared by controlled calcination of urea. Spectroscopic measurements show that [...] Read more.
Carbon-based functional nanocomposites have emerged as potent antimicrobial agents and can be exploited as a viable option to overcome antibiotic resistance of bacterial strains. In the present study, graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets are prepared by controlled calcination of urea. Spectroscopic measurements show that the nanosheets consist of abundant carbonyl groups and exhibit apparent photocatalytic activity under UV photoirradiation towards the selective production of singlet oxygen. Therefore, the nanosheets can effectively damage the bacterial cell membranes and inhibit the growth of bacterial cells, such as Gram-negative Escherichia coli, as confirmed in photodynamic, fluorescence microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy measurements. The results from this research highlight the unique potential of carbon nitride derivatives as potent antimicrobial agents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Carbon Materials)
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35 pages, 3850 KiB  
Review
Graphitic Carbon Nitride (g-C3N4) in Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production: Critical Overview and Recent Advances
by Periklis Kyriakos, Evangelos Hristoforou and George V. Belessiotis
Energies 2024, 17(13), 3159; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17133159 - 27 Jun 2024
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 5201
Abstract
Graphitic carbon Nitride (g-C3N4) is one of the most utilized graphitic materials in hydrogen (H2) production via photocatalytic water splitting. Thus, a detailed critical overview, updated with the most recent works, has been performed on the synthesis [...] Read more.
Graphitic carbon Nitride (g-C3N4) is one of the most utilized graphitic materials in hydrogen (H2) production via photocatalytic water splitting. Thus, a detailed critical overview, updated with the most recent works, has been performed on the synthesis methods, modification techniques, characterization, and mechanisms of g-C3N4 and g-C3N4-based composite materials, with the aim of clarifying the optimum course towards highly efficient hydrogen-producing photocatalysts based on this promising material. First, the synthesis methods for different morphologies of pure g-C3N4 (bulk, nanosheets, nanotubes and nanodots) are critically analyzed in detail for every step and parameter involved, with special mention regarding the modification methods of g-C3N4 (doping and composite formation). Next, the most common results of g-C3N4 characterization, regarding structural, morphological, optical, and electrical properties, are presented and analyzed. Then, a detailed critical survey of the mechanisms, using g-C3N4 and g-C3N4-based composites during photocatalytic activity, is performed with a focus on their effect on their hydrogen production capabilities via water splitting. This review aims to provide a clear image of all aspects regarding the use of g-C3N4 for photocatalysis, as well as a comprehensive guide for research targeted towards this promising graphitic material. Full article
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13 pages, 7266 KiB  
Article
Enhanced H2 Generation via Piezoelectric Reforming of Waste Sugars and Fruits Using Au-Decorated g-C3N4
by Ke Ren, Fangjie Ding, Lijun Zhang, Fengping Peng, Jianzhong Guo and Chunzheng Wu
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4231; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104231 - 17 May 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1388
Abstract
The food industry is responsible for generating considerable amounts of waste, such as excess fruits and leftover sugars, which contribute to resource depletion and pose environmental challenges. This research delves into the application of gold-modified graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets (Au/CN) as a potent [...] Read more.
The food industry is responsible for generating considerable amounts of waste, such as excess fruits and leftover sugars, which contribute to resource depletion and pose environmental challenges. This research delves into the application of gold-modified graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets (Au/CN) as a potent catalyst for the transformation of these food wastes into H2 via piezoelectric reforming during sonication. Au/CN demonstrated a superior rate of H2 evolution compared to pristine g-C3N4 (i.e., 1533.3 vs. 364.9 µmol/g/h) and it maintained its efficiency through multiple cycles of use. The catalytic activity was found to be optimal at a neutral pH level and with increased sugar concentrations. The enhanced catalytic performance of Au/CN was ascribed to the efficient segregation of charge carriers as well as the reduced charge transfer distance. This study underscores the viability of using Au/CN as a means for converting food wastes into a sustainable source of H2 energy. Full article
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15 pages, 2486 KiB  
Article
Intercalated PtCo Electrocatalyst of Vanadium Metal Oxide Increases Charge Density to Facilitate Hydrogen Evolution
by Jingjing Zhang, Wei Deng, Yun Weng, Jingxian Jiang, Haifang Mao, Wenqian Zhang, Tiandong Lu, Dewu Long and Fei Jiang
Molecules 2024, 29(7), 1518; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29071518 - 28 Mar 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2040
Abstract
Efforts to develop high-performance electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) are of utmost importance in ensuring sustainable hydrogen production. The controllable fabrication of inexpensive, durable, and high-efficient HER catalysts still remains a great challenge. Herein, we introduce a universal strategy aiming to [...] Read more.
Efforts to develop high-performance electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) are of utmost importance in ensuring sustainable hydrogen production. The controllable fabrication of inexpensive, durable, and high-efficient HER catalysts still remains a great challenge. Herein, we introduce a universal strategy aiming to achieve rapid synthesis of highly active hydrogen evolution catalysts using a controllable hydrogen insertion method and solvothermal process. Hydrogen vanadium bronze HxV2O5 was obtained through controlling the ethanol reaction rate in the oxidization process of hydrogen peroxide. Subsequently, the intermetallic PtCoVO supported on two-dimensional graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) nanosheets was prepared by a solvothermal method at the oil/water interface. In terms of HER performance, PtCoVO/g-C3N4 demonstrates superior characteristics compared to PtCo/g-C3N4 and PtCoV/g-C3N4. This superiority can be attributed to the notable influence of oxygen vacancies in HxV2O5 on the electrical properties of the catalyst. By adjusting the relative proportions of metal atoms in the PtCoVO/g-C3N4 nanomaterials, the PtCoVO/g-C3N4 nanocomposites show significant HER overpotential of η10 = 92 mV, a Tafel slope of 65.21 mV dec−1, and outstanding stability (a continuous test lasting 48 h). The nanoarchitecture of a g-C3N4-supported PtCoVO nanoalloy catalyst exhibits exceptional resistance to nanoparticle migration and corrosion, owing to the strong interaction between the metal nanoparticles and the g-C3N4 support. Pt, Co, and V simultaneous doping has been shown by Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations to enhance the density of states (DOS) at the Fermi level. This augmentation leads to a higher charge density and a reduction in the adsorption energy of intermediates. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Nanomaterials in Electrochemistry)
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18 pages, 5619 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Remarkably High Photocatalytic Efficiency of Ultra-Thin Porous Graphitic Carbon Nitride Nanosheets
by Zahra Kalantari Bolaghi, Cristina Rodriguez-Seco, Aycan Yurtsever and Dongling Ma
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(1), 103; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14010103 - 1 Jan 2024
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3202
Abstract
Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) is a metal-free photocatalyst used for visible-driven hydrogen production, CO2 reduction, and organic pollutant degradation. In addition to the most attractive feature of visible photoactivity, its other benefits include thermal and photochemical stability, cost-effectiveness, [...] Read more.
Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) is a metal-free photocatalyst used for visible-driven hydrogen production, CO2 reduction, and organic pollutant degradation. In addition to the most attractive feature of visible photoactivity, its other benefits include thermal and photochemical stability, cost-effectiveness, and simple and easy-scale-up synthesis. However, its performance is still limited due to its low absorption at longer wavelengths in the visible range, and high charge recombination. In addition, the exfoliated nanosheets easily aggregate, causing the reduction in specific surface area, and thus its photoactivity. Herein, we propose the use of ultra-thin porous g-C3N4 nanosheets to overcome these limitations and improve its photocatalytic performance. Through the optimization of a novel multi-step synthetic protocol, based on an initial thermal treatment, the use of nitric acid (HNO3), and an ultrasonication step, we were able to obtain very thin and well-tuned material that yielded exceptional photodegradation performance of methyl orange (MO) under visible light irradiation, without the need for any co-catalyst. About 96% of MO was degraded in as short as 30 min, achieving a normalized apparent reaction rate constant (k) of 1.1 × 10−2 min−1mg−1. This represents the highest k value ever reported using C3N4-based photocatalysts for MO degradation, based on our thorough literature search. Ultrasonication in acid not only prevents agglomeration of g-C3N4 nanosheets but also tunes pore size distribution and plays a key role in this achievement. We also studied their performance in a photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), achieving a production of 1842 µmol h−1 g−1. Through a profound analysis of all the samples’ structure, morphology, and optical properties, we provide physical insight into the improved performance of our optimized porous g-C3N4 sample for both photocatalytic reactions. This research may serve as a guide for improving the photocatalytic activity of porous two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors under visible light irradiation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Degradation and Photocatalytic Properties of Nanocomposites)
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11 pages, 4339 KiB  
Article
Graphitic Carbon Nitride Nanosheets Decorated with Zinc-Cadmium Sulfide for Type-II Heterojunctions for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production
by Ammar Bin Yousaf, Muhammad Imran, Muhammad Farooq, Samaira Kausar, Samina Yasmeen and Peter Kasak
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(18), 2609; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13182609 - 21 Sep 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2112
Abstract
In this study, we fabricated graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) nanosheets with embedded ZnCdS nanoparticles to form a type II heterojunction using a facile synthesis approach, and we used them for photocatalytic H2 production. The morphologies, chemical [...] Read more.
In this study, we fabricated graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) nanosheets with embedded ZnCdS nanoparticles to form a type II heterojunction using a facile synthesis approach, and we used them for photocatalytic H2 production. The morphologies, chemical structure, and optical properties of the obtained g-C3N4–ZnCdS samples were characterized by a battery of techniques, such as TEM, XRD, XPS, and UV-Vis DRS. The as-synthesized g-C3N4–ZnCdS photocatalyst exhibited the highest hydrogen production rate of 108.9 μmol·g−1·h−1 compared to the individual components (g-C3N4: 13.5 μmol·g−1·h−1, ZnCdS: 45.3 μmol·g−1·h−1). The improvement of its photocatalytic activity can mainly be attributed to the heterojunction formation and resulting synergistic effect, which provided more channels for charge carrier migration and reduced the recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes. Meanwhile, the g-C3N4–ZnCdS heterojunction catalyst also showed a higher stability over a number of repeated cycles. Our work provides insight into using g-C3N4 and metal sulfide in combination so as to develop low-cost, efficient, visible-light-active hydrogen production photocatalysts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Degradation and Photocatalytic Properties of Nanocomposites)
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