Novel and efficient strategy for chlorophenols and CO2 transformation over carbon nitride nanotubes: Effect of the hydroxyl grafting and surface electron polarization

Herein, novel, green and efficient strategy was developed for environmental pollutant chlorophenols and carbon dioxide transformation to carboxylic acids containing fine chemicals over carbon nitride (C3N4) nanotubes based photocatalysis. C3N4 nanotubes structure with hydrothermal treatment method provided the increased active sites, enhanced light absorption capacity and improved charge transfer efficiency. C3N4 nanotubes further modified by hydroxyl groups in situ grafting and halogen ions were prepared by simple hydrothermal treatment strategy with ammonium salt and potassium iodide. Owing to the photogenerated holes capture improvement, hydroxyl groups in situ grafting policy obviously enhanced the chlorophenols and CO2 transformation. Moreover, the chlorophenols carboxylation efficiency was further promoted with the synergistic effect of hydroxyl groups assisted photogenerated holes capture and halogen ions induced surface polarization.