Affiliation:
1. Department of Analytical Chemistry Faculty of Science Charles University Albertov 6 Prague 2 CZ 128 00 Czech Republic
2. Department of Colloid Chemistry Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces Am Mühlenberg 1 14476 Potsdam Germany
3. Aerospace Structures & Materials Department Faculty of Aerospace Engineering Delft University of Technology 2629 HS Delft The Netherlands
Abstract
AbstractMetal‐free graphitic carbon nitrides are on the rise as polymer photocatalysts under visible light illumination, taking shares in a range of promising photocatalytic reactions, including water splitting. Their simple synthesis and facile structural modification afford them exceptional tunability, enabling the creation of photocatalysts with distinct properties. While their metal‐free nature marks a significant step towards environmental sustainability, the high energy consumption required to produce carbon nitride photocatalysts remains a substantial barrier to their widespread adoption. Furthermore, the process of condensation at approximately 550 °C typically results in solid yields of less than 15 %, significantly challenging their economic viability. Here, we report on lowering manufacturing conditions of carbon nitride photocatalysts whilst enhancing photocatalytic activity by introducing binaphthyl diamine as a structural mediator. At 450 °C in 2 hours, carbon nitride photocatalyst shows a lower bandgap and enables visible light induced hydrogen evolution (194 μmol h−1) comparable to benchmark carbon nitride photocatalysts.