Black Phosphorus-Doped Graphitic Carbon Nitride with Aromatic Benzene Rings for Efficient Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production

Abstract

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄, abbreviated as g-CN) suffers from low visible-light-responsive photocatalytic efficiency. In this study, aromatic benzene rings and black phosphorus (BP) were successfully incorporated into g-CN photocatalysts (BP/A-CN), resulting in modified materials with improved properties. Structural analysis confirmed the successful integration of aromatic rings and BP into the g-CN framework, indicating the formation of a stable composite. Morphological characterization revealed that the introduction of aromatic rings and BP did not cause any significant changes in the nanosheet-like morphology of the g-CN photocatalysts. To evaluate the photocatalytic hydrogen production activity under visible-light irradiation, various compositions of aromatic benzene rings and BP were investigated. Specifically, the BP/A-CN composite exhibited an enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen production rate (860 μmol g^-1 h^-1), which was approximately 4.0 times higher than that of g-CN (210 μmol g^-1 h^-1). The improved hydrogen production rates observed in the modified g-CN photocatalysts can be attributed to several factors. First, the aromatic benzene rings and BP enhanced light absorption, thereby improving the efficient utilization of solar energy. Additionally, the presence of these components in the composite photocatalysts reduced electron-hole recombination, thereby facilitating improved charge transfer and separation efficiencies. Overall, this study demonstrates the potential of incorporating aromatic benzene rings and BP into g-CN photocatalysts for efficient solar energy conversion. These findings contribute to the development of novel photocatalytic materials with enhanced performance and highlight the versatility of g-CN-based composites for various applications in environmental and energy fields.