Schottky Junction Enhanced Photosynthesis of Hydrogen Peroxide by Ultrathin Porous Carbon Nitride Supported Ni Nanoparticles
Xiyuan Zhou, Kaiwen Wang, Yang Wang, Yongyong Cao, Jiaxing Wang, Hanwen Hu, Guo Yang, Jixiang Hou, Peijie Ma, Chunlang Gao, Chaogang Ban, Youyu Duan, Zhen Wei, Xu Zhang, Cong Wang, Kun Zheng
Abstract
Artificial photosynthesis for high-value hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) through a two-electron reduction reaction is a green and sustainable strategy. However, the development of highly active H 2 O 2 photocatalysts is impeded by severe carrier recombination, ineffective active sites, and low surface reaction efficiency. We developed a dual optimization strategy to load dense Ni nanoparticles onto ultrathin porous graphitic carbon nitride (Ni-UPGCN). In the absence and presence of sacrificial agents, Ni-UPGCN achieved H 2 O 2 production rates of 169 and 4116 μmol g –1 h –1 with AQY (apparent quantum efficiency) at 420 nm of 3.14% and 17.71%. Forming a Schottky junction, the surface-modified Ni nanoparticles broaden the light absorption boundary and facilitate charge separation, which act as active sites, promoting O 2 adsorption and reducing the formation energy of *OOH (reaction intermediate). This results in a substantial improvement in both H 2 O 2 generation activity and selectivity. The Schottky junction of dual modulation strategy provides novel insights into the advancement of highly effective photocatalytic agents for the photosynthesis of H 2 O 2 .