Open AccessConstructing Crystalline g‐C 3 N 4 /g‐C 3 N 4−x S x Isotype Heterostructure for Efficient Photocatalytic and Piezocatalytic Performances
Author(s) -
Xu Tingting,
Xia Zhonghui,
Li Hongguan,
Niu Ping,
Wang Shulan,
Li Li
Publication year - 2023
Publication title -
energy and environmental materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2575-0356
DOI - 10.1002/eem2.12306
Subject(s) - photocatalysis , heterojunction , crystallinity , materials science , calcination , nitride , analytical chemistry (journal) , nanotechnology , chemistry , optoelectronics , catalysis , organic chemistry , layer (electronics) , composite material
Graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C 3 N 4 ) is viewed as a promising visible‐light photocatalyst for industrialization due to its low processing temperature and high chemical stability. However, serious charge recombination caused by incomplete polymerization during direct calcination of nitrogen‐rich precursors significantly limits its photocatalytic performances. To boost charge separation, herein, we propose a rational strategy by constructing a crystalline g‐C 3 N 4 /g‐C 3 N 4−x S x isotype heterostructure through the molten salt method. Theoretical calculation reveals that apparent charge‐transfer channels are formed between g‐C 3 N 4 and S‐doped g‐C 3 N 4 layers in the heterostructure. Owing to high crystallinity for decreasing charge recombination and isotype heterostructure for efficient charge transfer, the as‐prepared g‐C 3 N 4 /g‐C 3 N 4−x S x showed remarkable photocatalytic performances with the hydrogen production rate elevated by up to 12.3 times of its singular components. Another novelty of this work is we investigated for the first time the piezocatalytic activity of crystalline g‐C 3 N 4 by characterizing its performance for H 2 O 2 generation and KMnO 4 reduction. Strikingly, its superior piezocatalytic performance over components can be further improved by NaBH 4 treatment, which is uncovered to enhance the asymmetric structure of crystalline g‐C 3 N 4 by introducing extra cyano groups and removing partial NH x species in its tri‐s‐triazine layer structure. This work opens up new strategies for the design of highly efficient polymeric photocatalysts and highlights the piezocatalytic studies of g‐C 3 N 4 .