Photocatalytic Hydrogen Generation and CO2 Conversion Using g-C3N4 Decorated Dendritic Fibrous Nanosilica: Role of Interfaces between Silica and g-C3N4

We have synthesized g-C3N4 decorated over dendritic fibrous nanosilica (DFNS). The generation of C–N–Si interfaces by coating each fiber of DFNS with g-C3N4 not only provided high surface area but also affected the optical and electronic properties of the composite. The catalyst synthesis reproducibility issue of g-C3N4 was resolved using a vacuum-sealed quartz tube. The extended light absorption in the visible region, enhanced lifetime of photogenerated charge carriers due to the formation of interfaces between silica and g-C3N4 (confirmed by solid-state NMR), and increased surface area result in the improved photocatalytic activity of DFNS/g-C3N4 for hydrogen generation and CO2 conversion.