화학공학소재연구정보센터
International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, Vol.42, No.21, 14511-14521, 2017
Effectively extending visible light absorption with a broad spectrum sensitizer for improving the H-2 evolution of in-situ Cu/g-C3N4 nanocomponents
Photocatalysts with broad spectrum absorption have been desired for a long time due to their ability to absorb more visible light. Herein, we developed an in-situ approach to specifically fabricate Cu nanoparticles onto the exterior surface of g-C3N4, followed by sensitization with Erythrosin B, to improve the photocatalytic H-2 evolution of g-C3N4 and extend the spectrum absorption. The photocatalytic H-2 evolution rate was significantly promoted, to more than 26 times that of pure g-C3N4, and the photocatalytic ability was maintained until reaching a wavelength of 700 nm. The origin of the improved activity was attributed to an in-situ Cu nanoparticle modification, which acts as an electron reservoir, and dye sensitization, which could extend the range of the visible light absorption, preventing charge recombination and enhancing the visible light utilization efficiency. In addition, the photocatalytic stability was investigated, and no significant attenuation was detected after six recycles. (C) 2017 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.