Synthesis of novel C-doped g-C(3)N(4) nanosheets coupled with CdIn(2)S(4) for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

Photocatalytic hydrogen generation from water splitting has become a favorable route for the utilization of solar energy. An effective strategy, the combination of C-doping with nanocomposite semiconductors, is presented in this work. C-doped g-C(3)N(4) (CCN) was prepared by supramolecular self-assembly and subsequently a number of CdIn(2)S(4)/CCN composite photocatalysts were designed and fabricated though in situ decoration of CdIn(2)S(4) crystals on the surface of CCN nanosheets via a hydrothermal method. This unique architecture was able to efficiently promote the transfer and separation of photon-generated charges, enhance light absorption, and significantly increase photocatalytic H(2) production. Detailed characterization was performed to analyze the crystal structure, morphology, elementary composition, optical properties and catalytic mechanism. The CdIn(2)S(4)/CCN nanocomposites with optimal CdIn(2)S(4) content exhibited a maximum H(2) production rate of 2985 μmol h(−1) g(−1), almost 15 times more than that obtained using pure g-C(3)N(4) (205 μmol h(−1) g(−1)). In addition, the hybrid photocatalysts display good recycling stability under visible-light irradiation. This research may provide promising information for the preparation of more efficient multifunctional hybrid photocatalysts with excellent stability in fine chemical engineering.