Enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen production via Eosin Y-sensitized g-C3N4 nanotubes

Abstract

Photocatalytic hydrogen production offers a promising strategy to address energy and environmental crises. Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4 ) is a competitive photocatalyst, yet facile controllable fabrication of high-activity one-dimensional g-C 3 N 4 remains challenging. Herein, tubular g-C 3 N 4 was synthesized via acetic-acid-assisted hydrothermal treatment coupled with thermal polymerization. We systematically investigated the effects of acetic acid dosage and Eosin Y sensitization on microstructure and photocatalysis. Optimized T 60-4 CN exhibits hollow hexagonal tubular morphology with enlarged surface area and accelerated charge separation. Eosin Y modification narrows the bandgap to 2.72 eV. Benefiting from tubular architecture and dye sensitization, T 60-4 CN achieves a visible-light H 2 evolution rate of 3.77 mmol h −1 g −1 , 3.28 times that of bulk g-C 3 N 4 . This work provides a facile green route for high-performance tubular g-C 3 N 4 and deepens insights into structure-performance modulation of carbon-nitride photocatalysts.