The CoSx-modified g-C3N4 nanosheets towards photocatalytic water splitting hydrogen production enhancement

The CoSx nanoparticles-modified g-C3N4 nanosheets are fabricated via a simple continuous hydrothermal-annealed method; there, the g-C3N4 nanosheets are prepared by a hydrothermal-annealed method; and the CoSx nanoparticles are deposited on the surface of g-C3N4 nanosheets by a secondary hydrothermal method. Evaluated by the hydrogen production, the photocatalytic performance of the g-C3N4/CoSx(~ 1596.01 μmol/g h) exhibits an obvious enhancement of about ~ 70-folds than the unmodified g-C3N4 and a decent photocatalytic stability during 24 h cycle. The main reasons for the HER enhancement can be ascribed to that the Pt-like behavior CoSx nanoparticles with partial-charge transfer activation can promote the excited photoelectron transferring/diffusing into the water for H+ ions reduction quickly, including the extra charge carriers induction of Co2+/Co3+ mixed state, the small size of CoSx nanoparticles can provide abundant specific surface areas and HER-active sites, which can be supported by series of electrochemical measurements. In addition, the nanoparticles can shorten the photoelectron transferring time to restrain the photocorrosion for improving stability.