Abstract
? 2022 Elsevier B.V.Hydrogen evolution via dye-sensitized photocatalytic water reduction is a promising approach for storing solar energy due to high efficiency and good stability. The hydrophilic and electrical performances of sensitized matrix are critical for the reactant adsorption and photogenerated charge transport. Herein, theoretical simulation proves that the boron-doping nanoarchitectonics on three-dimensional carbon nanosheets (B-3DCNs) as a new-style sensitization matrix possesses a strong water adsorption capacity to show a stable disperse in water, as well as optimizes charge distribution to improve conductivity compared with pure material. So the boron dopants on the substrate surface can be used as an anchor for water and a booster for charge transfer. Based on the theoretical results, B-3DCNs with abundant and stable boron atoms is prepared by a solid-phase thermal doping technology using sodium borohydride as boron source. The hydrophilic and electrical properties of B-3DCNs is greatly optimized using a series of structural and performance testing, providing the prerequisite for large-scale applications in aqueous solution. Therefore, the constructed B-3DCNs/Pt photocatalyst displays a high photocatalytic hydrogen evolution rate under visible light in Eosin Y sensitized system, which is 5.9 and 2.3 times than the H2 evolved over bare Pt and 3DCNs/Pt.
NSTL
Elsevier