N-hexane-assisted synthesis of plasmonic Au-mediated polymeric carbon nitride photocatalyst for remarkable H2 evolution under visible-light irradiation

Plasmonic Au-mediated polymeric carbon nitride (PCN) has been recognized as one of the promising materials for photocatalytic applications due to its excellent properties in wide visible light spectrum, however it is still hindered by low catalytic efficiency. In this work, it was established that strong metal-support interactions (MSI) at the interface between plasmonic Au nanoparticles (NPs) and PCN nanosheets (PCNS) improves its photocatalytic efficiency. The resulting Au/PCNS 2.5 exhibits excellent photocatalytic activity with H 2 evolution rate up to 4.84 mmol g -1 h -1 under visible light, 12.4 times higher than that of bulk PCN. Such strong MSI significantly strengthens the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect of Au NPs and the charge “pump” role of Schottky junctions at Au-PCNS interface, resulting in broad light absorption range as well as effective separation and transfer of charge carrier. This work provides a new way to design the plasmonic photocatalysts for splitting water as well as other plasmon-driven chemical reactions.