Synergistic optimization texture and functional behavior of 3D skeleton carbon using amide-functionalized and N-doped strategies for enhancement photocatalytic water reduction

Abstract

Carbon-based sensitization matrix in dye-sensitized photocatalytic hydrogen evolution (DS-PHE) system is crucial for riveting dye molecules and metal particles. The excellent conductivity and dispersibility of matrixes are necessary conditions for obtaining efficient catalytic activity. Herein, based on the collaborative regulation strategy, the amide-functionalized and N-doped three-dimensional skeleton carbon (AF-N-3DSC) is prepared using self-doping and functional group activation approaches. Due to the synergistic effect of heterogeneous atoms and functional groups, AF-N-3DSC as sensitized matrix not only possesses stable microstructure with acceptable specific surface area, but also shows superiority conductivity, dispersivity and adsorption properties. Under visible light irradiation, the constructed AF-N-3DSC@Pt nanohybrid photocatalysts via in-situ photodeposition method shows higher DS-PHE activity and stability. Typically, the hydrogen production rate of AF-N-3DSC@Pt reaches to 426.35 μmol/h with TEOA as sacrificial agent (pH = 7, volume ratio 10 %) and EY as dye sensitizer, which is 1.28 times and 2.43 times higher than N-3DSC@Pt photocatalyst and bare Pt photocatalyst.