Construction of novel Ru-embedded bulk g-C₃N₄ photocatalysts toward efficient and sustainable photocatalytic hydrogen production

verfasst von

Mohammed Ismael

Abstract

Novel Ru-embedded bulk graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) photocatalysts containing different wt% of Ru (0.5–2 % wt) were synthesized by a simple mixing method of ruthenium complex with g-C₃N₄. The photocatalytic activity of the synthesized photocatalysts was assessed for hydrogen production in an aqueous solution containing methanol with and without Pt. The optimal hydrogen production rate of the most active photocatalyst (0.8 % Ru/CN) was 246 μmol/h without Pt and 1021 μmol/h with Pt, which was more than two times higher than pure g-C₃N₄. Various physiochemical techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), N₂ adsorption-desorption isotherms, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV–vis DRS), photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL) and transition photocurrent response (PC) were applied to investigate the origin of activity of the Ru_x/CN photocatalysts. Results indicated that the loading of g-C₃N₄ with Ru nanoparticles enlarged its surface area and enhanced visible light absorption. Importantly, Ru nanoparticles promoted the charge carrier separation and transfer efficiency of g-C₃N₄ revealed by the PL and PC measurements, enhancing the photocatalytic activity of the embedded photocatalyst. Furthermore, XPS proved the existence of Ru (II) of RuO₂ and metallic Ru⁰. The Ru-embedded g-C₃N₄ showed high photocatalytic activity, which makes them attractive materials for further applications in photocatalysis.

Organisationseinheit(en)

Institut für Technische Chemie

Externe Organisation(en)

Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg

Typ

Artikel

Journal

Diamond and related materials

Band

144

Anzahl der Seiten

10

ISSN

0925-9635

Publikationsdatum

04.2024

Publikationsstatus

Veröffentlicht

Peer-reviewed

Ja

ASJC Scopus Sachgebiete

Elektronische, optische und magnetische Materialien, Chemie (insg.), Maschinenbau, Physik und Astronomie (insg.), Werkstoffchemie, Elektrotechnik und Elektronik

Ziele für nachhaltige Entwicklung

SDG 7 – Erschwingliche und saubere Energie

Elektronische Version(en)

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.diamond.2024.111024 (Zugang: Offen)