Synthesis of Mo-doped graphitic carbon nitride catalysts and their photocatalytic activity in the reduction of CO2 with H2O

Molybdenum doped graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) catalysts were prepared by a simple pyrolysis method using melamine and ammonium molybdate as precursors. The characterization results indicated that the obtained Mo-doped g-C3N4 catalysts had worm-like mesostructures with higher surface area. Introduction of Mo species can effectively extend the spectral response property and reduce the recombination rate of photogenerated electrons and holes. CO2 photocatalytic reduction tests showed that the Mo-doped g-C3N4 catalysts exhibited considerably higher activity (the highest CO and CH4 yields of 887 and 123 mu mol g(-1)-cat., respectively, after 8 h of UV irradiation.) compared with pure g-C3N4 from melamine. (C) 2015 Published by Elsevier B.V.