A simple approach to synthesize g-C3N4 with high visible light photoactivity for hydrogen production

• Se-modified g-C3N4 has been synthesized from melamine cyanurate and SeO2.
• Condensation temperature remarkably changes the properties of the g-C3N4 samples.
• Incorporation of 1 wt.% Pt co-catalyst significantly improves H2 evolution.
• An HER of 75 μmol H2/h is attained for the 650°C-treated sample for λ > 455 nm.

Se-modified g-C3N4 was synthesized from sonicated aqueous suspensions of melamine cyanurate and SeO2. The different thermal condensation temperatures in the 500–650 °C range were found to influence the photophysical properties and hydrogen evolution rates. H2 evolution increased dramatically by two orders of magnitude when Pt co-catalyst (1 wt.%) was incorporated, reaching an HER of 75 μmol H2/h.

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