Fabrication of interconnected flower-shaped macroporous P-doped g-C3N4 for enhancing visible-light-driven production of H2 and H2O2

Developing visible light-responsive photocatalysts for converting solar energy into hydrogen (H-2) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is an efficient strategy. Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) holds promise as a photocatalyst for solar-to-chemical energy conversion applications; however, its photocatalytic performance is hindered by sluggish charge separation and a limited specific surface area. Herein, we report 3D hierarchal P-doped interconnected flower-like macroporous g-C3N4, as a metal-free bifunctional photocatalyst capable of achieving high-efficiency photocatalytic production of both H-2 and H2O2 under visible-light irradiation. As a result of these advantages, optimized 10 % wt. 3DPCN10 has nearly 4.3 and 7.2 folds as much H-2 evolution (4513.6 mu mol g(-1) h(-1)) and H2O2 production (1321.3 mu mol g(-1) h(-1)), respectively compared to the unmodified g-C3N4. The outstanding photoactivity and stability of this bifunctional photocatalyst can be attributed to the efficient separation of photoinduced charge carriers, enhanced specific surface area, and interconnected p-doped porous framework which accelerate the chemical reaction on the surface of the photocatalyst. The findings presented in this study introduce an innovative approach to modify micro-nanostructured P-doped g-C3N4-based photocatalysts, enhancing their ability to capture and convert solar energy effectively.