Cu3PandNi2Pco-modifiedg-C3N4nanosheet with excellent photocatalyticH2evolution activities

Copper-nickel phosphides/ graphite-like phase carbon nitride (Cu3P-Ni2P/g-C3N4) composites were obtained through a facile one-potin situsolvothermal approach. The coexistence of Cu3P and Ni2P plays an important role in enhancing the catalytic activity of g-C3N4. The 7 wt% Cu3P-Ni2P/g-C(3)N(4)bimetallic phosphide photocatalyst demonstrates the best photocatalytic hydrogen (H-2) evolution rate of 6529.8 mu mol g(-1)h(-1), which is 80.7-fold higher than that of g-C3N4. The apparent quantum yield (AQE) was determined to be 18.5% at 400 nm over the 7% Cu3P-Ni2P/g-C3N4. Thisin situgrowth strategy produced intimate contact interfaces, leading to a significantly promoted separation of charge carriers, and hence strengthened the photocatalytic H(2)production. Moreover, the coexistence of Cu3P and Ni2P reduced the overpotential of H(2)during the evolution process, further benefiting H(2)production. Finally, the photocatalytic enhancement mechanism was proposed and verified by fluorescence and electrochemical analysis. This work provides a low-cost strategy to synthesize nonprecious bimetallic phosphides/carbon nitride photocatalyst with outstanding H(2)production activity. (c) 2020 Society of Chemical Industry