g-C<sub>3</sub>N<sub><i>x</i></sub> with a Tunable Band Structure for Efficient Photocatalytic Xylose Oxidation and Hydrogen Evolution
Zhiyuan Mu, Ren Zou, Yang Wu, Jiliang Ma, Zehong Chen, Ge Shi, Juan Liu, Tingzhen Li, Yunpeng Liu, Xinwen Peng
Abstract
The combination of photocatalysis with biorefinery and hydrogen (H 2 ) production is highly desired, yet the systematical processes have not been achieved for the lack of development of an effective bifunctional photocatalyst to enhance the efficiency of biorefinery and H 2 generation. Here, we reported an efficient photocatalyst to promote xylonic acid formation and H 2 production by introducing cyano groups on graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N x ). The obtained g-C 3 N x could effectively absorb visible light with extended range by the tunable band structure. We also found that electrons and holes were effectively separated on the surface of g-C 3 N x, enhancing the visible-light photocatalytic response and therefore increasing biorefinery and H 2 production. The efficient amplification of xylonic acid synthesis indicated the possibility of xylonic acid via this photocatalysis.