Thermal vapor condensation of uniform graphitic carbon nitride films with remarkable photocurrent density for photoelectrochemical applications

In this work, we report a thermal vapor condensation method of depositing uniform graphitic carbon nitride (g-CN) films on various substrates using melamine as precursor. The optimal photocurrent density of the g-CN film is 0.12 mA cm−2 at the bias of 1.55 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode with Na2S as sacrificial reagent. The improved photoresponse of the g-CN film results from intimate contact between the film and the substrate, enhanced light absorption, decreased charge transport and charge transfer resistance with the increase of the process temperature.