Chinese Journal of Catalysis ›› 2021, Vol. 42 ›› Issue (3): 450-459.DOI: 10.1016/S1872-2067(20)63674-9

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Sulfur promoted n-π* electron transitions in thiophene-doped g-C3N4 for enhanced photocatalytic activity

Feiyue Gea, Shuquan Huanga, Jia Yanb, Liquan Jingb, Feng Chenb, Meng Xiec, Yuanguo Xua,*(), Hui Xub, Huaming Lib,#()   

  1. aSchool of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering,Jiangsu University,Zhenjiang 212013,Jiangsu,China
    bInstitute for Energy Research,Jiangsu University,Zhenjiang 212013,Jiangsu,China
    cSchool of Pharmacy,Jiangsu University,Zhenjiang 212013,Jiangsu,China
  • Received:2020-05-05 Accepted:2020-06-26 Online:2021-03-18 Published:2021-01-23
  • Contact: Yuanguo Xu,Huaming Li
  • About author:*Tel/Fax:+86-511-88791108;E-mail:xuyg@ujs.edu.cn;
  • Supported by:
    National Natural Science Foundation of China(21777063);the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(21777063);Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province(21777063)

Abstract:

Expanding the optical absorption range of photocatalysts is still a key endeavor in graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) studies. Here,we report on a novel thiophene group extending the optical property,which is assigned to n-π* electronic transitions involving the two lone pairs on sulfur (TLPS). The as-prepared samples,denoted as CN-ThAx (where x indicates the amount of ThA added,mg),showed an additional absorption above 500 nm as compared to pristine g-C3N4. Further,the thiophene group enhanced charge carrier separation to suppress e-/h+ pair recombination. The experimental results suggest that the thiophene group can obstruct the polymerization of melem to generate a large plane,thus exposing the lone electron pairs on the sulfur. The photocatalytic activity was evaluated in the decomposition of bisphenol A and H2 evolution. Compared with g-C3N4,the optimized CN-ThA30 sample led to a 6.6- and 2-fold enhancement of the degradation and H2 generation rates,respectively. The CN-ThA30 sample allowed for synchronous H2 production and BPA decomposition.

Key words: Thiophene, g-C3N4, Lone pairs on sulfur, n-π*Transition, Visible light photocatalysis