Pulsed laser synthesis of free-standing Pt single atoms in an ice block for enhancing photocatalytic hydrogen evolution of g-C3N4†

Abstract

This study reports an innovative synthesis method of a Pt/g-C₃N₄ single atom catalyst for enhancing photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. The method involves the synthesis of free-standing Pt single atoms within an H₂PtCl₆ ice block using a pulsed laser reduction process, followed by transferring them onto few-layer g-C₃N₄ through electrostatic adsorption at low temperature. This approach eliminates the need for high-energy lasers and porous support materials during laser solid-phase synthesis. The photocatalytic activities of Pt/g-C₃N₄ synthesized under various laser conditions are evaluated to optimize the synthesis parameters. The optimal Pt/g-C₃N₄ catalyst demonstrates a significantly higher photocatalytic hydrogen evolution capability (320 μmol h⁻¹), 129 times that of pure g-C₃N₄ (2.2 μmol h⁻¹). This work expands the laser-solid phase synthesis method, offering a promising route for the production of single atom catalysts with simple operation, clear synthetic pathways, low cost, and environmental friendliness.