Polyaniline as a solid-state charge conductor for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen production and value-added disulfide synthesis

Efficient transfer and maximal utilization of photogenerated electrons and holes in photocatalytic processes, along with the simultaneous production of hydrogen and high-value chemicals, represent a promising approach for effective solar energy utilization. Herein, polyaniline (PANI) was employed as a charge conductor to enhance the heterojunction structure between g-C3N4 and CdS, thereby facilitating the efficient interfacial transfer of photogenerated carriers. The obtained composite has demonstrated outstanding photocatalytic performance in both water splitting for hydrogen production and the dehydrogenation coupling of thiols. The hydrogen evolution efficiency of g-C3N4-PANI-CdS composite in water splitting is 41.67 times higher than that of the original g-C3N4. Additionally, the sample exhibits efficient splitting and re-polymerization capabilities for 4-methoxythiophenol (4-MTP), achieving the efficient hydrogen production and bis (4-methoxyphenyl) disulfide (4-MPD) synthesis concurrently. Comprehensive characterization methods confirm that PANI acts as a highly conductive layer, accelerating rapid charge transfer and separation at the interface between g-C3N4 and CdS, significantly improving the utilization of surface active sites. This study provides valuable insights for the future advancements in photocatalytic hydrogen generation and disulfides synthesis.