Optimizing carbon doping and black phosphorus heterojunctions in three dimensional carbon nitride for exceptional photocatalytic activity

With the rapid advancement of urbanization and industrialization, carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) has emerged as a critical material in leveraging photocatalytic technology to address issues of water pollution and energy scarcity. However, inherent limitations such as a low specific surface area and the swift recombination of photogenerated charges have significantly constrained the practical applications of g-C₃N₄. This work adopts a dual approach to catalyst modification, analyzing both internal and external factors. It introduces a novel integration of three-dimensional (3D) network structures, carbon doping, and black phosphorus heterostructures, representing the first instance of such an innovative combination. The resulting catalyst exhibits exceptional performance, achieving a hydrogen production rate of 8.16 mmol g⁻¹h⁻¹ and a tetracycline degradation efficiency of 94.92 % within 90 min. Furthermore, a plausible mechanism has been proposed to elucidate the enhanced photocatalytic activity, supported by theoretical calculations and experimental analyses. The 3D structure of the catalyst offers a wealth of active reaction sites, while carbon doping and the incorporation of black phosphorus heterojunctions effectively lower the band gap, facilitating the generation of delocalized electrons and thereby enhancing light responsiveness. This study paves the way for the development of innovative and efficient photocatalysts that prioritize environmental sustainability and performance through multifaceted regulatory techniques, promising significant advancements in the field of photocatalysis.