A Novel Synthetic 3D Interconnected Porous Carbon-Rich Graphitic Carbon Nitride for Boosting Visible Light Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production and Dye Contaminant Degradation

Abstract

The use of photocatalysis to address environmental pollution and energy shortage is an attractive choice. Herein, we successfully synthesized a novel 3D interconnected porous carbon-rich g-C3N4 catalyst via facile thermal polymerization to enhance photocatalytic hydrogen production and photodegradation of dye contaminants. Enhanced hydrogen evolution (1956.23 μmol g−1 h−1) and photocatalytic RhB degradation (96.74%) efficiency were achieved with the as-obtained catalysts. Based on the photocatalytic experimental data and characterization analyses, an enhancement mechanism was proposed. The 3D interconnected porous structure endowed the g-C3N4 with numerous active sites and a large specific surface area, and the carbon modification facilitated the separation and transfer of the photoinduced charge carriers. Nanoshape engineering and the carbon-rich structure showed a synergetic effect in increasing photocatalytic performance. This study offers an applicable methodology for the exploitation of an economical catalyst to alleviate environmental pollution and energy shortages.