Abstract: Here, we demonstrate that ultrathin graphitic-phase C₃N₄ nanosheets (g-C₃N₄-NS) could serve as an efficient metal-free cocatalyst for improving oxygen evolution activity on nanoporous BiVO₄ photoanode. More specifically, as compared with pure BiVO₄ photoanode, ultrathin g-C₃N₄ nanolayers not only suppress the surface charge recombination of BiVO₄, but also effectively transfer and store holes for water oxidation. As expected, the ultrathin graphitic-phase C3N4 cocatalyst modified BiVO4 photoanode exhibited significantly improved photocurrent density and H₂ generation capability, nearly 7 and 12 times with respect to the pristine BiVO₄ under the same conditions. These results demonstrate an effective approach for the design and construction of low-cost and highly efficient PEC systems. 

KeyWords Plus: PHOTOCATALYTIC HYDROGEN EVOLUTION; CARBON NITRIDE NANOSHEETS; CHARGE SEPARATION; VISIBLE-LIGHT; BIVO4 PHOTOANODES; G-C3N4; HETEROJUNCTION; CATALYSTS; PHOTOELECTRODES; FABRICATION 

Published in APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL, 205 19-23; 10.1016/j.apcatb.2016.12.014 MAY 15 2017