Effectively extending visible light absorption with a broad spectrum sensitizer for improving the H2 evolution of in-situ Cu/g-C3N4 nanocomponents

Photocatalysts with broad spectrum absorption have been desired for a long time due to their ability to absorb more visible light. Herein, we developed an in-situ approach to specifically fabricate Cu nanoparticles onto the exterior surface of g-C₃N₄, followed by sensitization with Erythrosin B, to improve the photocatalytic H₂ evolution of g-C₃N₄ and extend the spectrum absorption. The photocatalytic H₂ evolution rate was significantly promoted, to more than 26 times that of pure g-C₃N₄, and the photocatalytic ability was maintained until reaching a wavelength of 700 nm. The origin of the improved activity was attributed to an in-situ Cu nanoparticle modification, which acts as an electron reservoir, and dye sensitization, which could extend the range of the visible light absorption, preventing charge recombination and enhancing the visible light utilization efficiency. In addition, the photocatalytic stability was investigated, and no significant attenuation was detected after six recycles.