Preparation of C3N5 nanosheets with enhanced performance in photocatalytic methylene blue (MB) degradation and H2-evolution from water splitting

Abstract

Ultrathin C₃N₅ nanosheets with enhanced photocatalytic methylene blue (MB) degradation and H₂-evolution performance were prepared from thermal treatment of 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole (3-AT) and NH₄Cl followed with a protonate procedure. The characterization results revealed that the protonating process could contribute to the exfoliation of C₃N₅ with large surface area, the effective charge transfer capability and the modified band structure. The as-prepared C₃N₅ nanosheets exhibited enhanced properties in photocatalytic reactions such as MB photodegradation and H₂-evolution from water splitting. This study offered a feasible route to prepare highly-efficient two-dimensional photocatalyst, which could be applied potentially for implementation in wide range of energy generation and environmental applications.

Keywords: C(3)N(5) nanosheet; H(2)-evolution; MB degradation; Protonation; Visible-light photocatalysis.