Ce-Doped Graphitic Carbon Nitride Derived from Metal Organic Frameworks as a Visible Light-Responsive Photocatalyst for H(2) Production

Novel fibrous graphitic carbon nitride (g-C(3)N(4)) derivatives prepared from metal organic frameworks (MOFs) were doped with Ce(3+) (Ce-C(3)N(4)) as photocatalytic materials. Ce-C(3)N(4) was characterized using various techniques, revealing its high specific surface area, excellent photocatalytic activity, and stability for H(2) evolution under visible light irradiation. The fluorine modified samples show superior photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation, which is due to the presence of more active sites and enhanced absorption of solar energy. This work provides a new synthetic route for MOF-derived g-C(3)N(4) that can be doped with different metal ions. The fluorine modified Ce-C(3)N(4) is an efficient photocatalyst with potential for many applications related to energy and the environment.