Doubling of photocatalytic H2 evolution from g-C3N4 via its nanocomposite formation with multiwall carbon nanotubes: Electronic and morphological effects

Nanocomposite of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) with optimum concentration of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) is shown to render 100% improvement in its photocatalytic activity for visible-light induced water splitting. Our study reveals that in addition to the charge transfer effects, morphological changes in g-C3N4 introduced by mild MWCNT reinforcement play a vital role in the photocatalytic activity. We present results of structural and opto-electronic characterizations in support of these inferences.

► Nanocomposite g-C3N4/MWCNT studied for visible-light photocatalytic H2 evolution. ► 0.5 wt% of MWCNT showed 100% improvement in the photocatalytic activity. ► Opto-electronic, microstructural characterization performed to study the mechanism. ► Morphological effects play more significant role in doubling the performance.