Boosting photocatalytic H2 generation by assembling a copper complex and carbon nanotubes onto a carbon nitride polymer

Abstract

Solar-driven water splitting is a potential way to solve environmental contamination and the energy crisis on our planet, and is also of great significance for contemporary energy research. Herein, an affordable photocatalyst for boosting H₂ generation was prepared by assembling a copper complex (CuL) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) onto a carbon nitride polymer (CN). Introduction of both CuL and CNTs promotes separation of photogenerated charge carriers rapidly and enhances optical absorption of the prepared catalyst. What is more, a suitable amount of CuL on CN can work as a substitute for precious metal cocatalysts to decrease the H₂-evolving overpotential. Due to the synergistic effect of CuL and CNTs, the optimized 3CuL/CNTs/CN photocatalyst displays an efficient H₂ evolution rate of 931 μmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹ in TEOA aqueous solution, which is much higher than those of 3CuL/CN (487 μmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹) and CN (null). The novel strategy provided in this study could be a way for establishing sustainable and inexpensive photocatalytic systems towards boosting H₂ generation.