A novel copper-bridged graphitic carbon nitride/porphyrin nanocomposite with dramatically enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen generation

Abstract With Cu as interfacial linkers, meso-tetra (4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrin (TCPP) as visible light absorption antennas, and graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) as a substance, a novel g-C3N4/porphyrin nanocomposite (g-C3N4-Cu-TCPP) with enhanced light absorption and efficient electron transfer was facilely assembled. The morphology, composition, and structure of the nanocomposite were characterized by TEM, XPS, XRD and infrared spectroscopy. The results showed that the introduction of Cu in the interface of g-C3N4 and TCPP can smartly regulate the morphology and structure of the g-C3N4-TCPP. More importantly, the interaction between TCPP and g-C3N4 was greatly strengthened. Subsequently, the electron transfer between g-C3N4 and TCPP was effectively promoted, and the activity of photocatalytic hydrogen production was dramatically improved without loading other cocatalysts, which showed the vital role of Cu implanted in the g-C3N4/TCPP.