Rational synthesis of carbon-rich hollow carbon nitride spheres for photocatalytic H2O2 production and Cr (VI) reduction

Abstract

Hollow carbon nitride sphere with well-designed architecture and excellent optical properties serves as promising polymer for solar fuel production. In this study, carbon-rich hollow nanosphere carbon nitride was rationally designed for photocatalytic hydrogen peroxide production. Experimental results reveal that the doping of carbon species in the heptazine unit enhances light absorption and promotes the charge separation and transport. Accordingly, the optimized carbon-rich hollow nanosphere carbon nitride exhibits significantly enhanced photocatalytic performance for solar-driven hydrogen peroxide production and Cr (VI) reduction, in comparison with pristine polymeric carbon nitride and hollow nanosphere carbon nitride, respectively.