MOF nanosheet-derived carbon-layer-coated CoP/g-C3N4 photocatalysts with enhanced charge transfer for efficient photocatalytic H2 generation

Catalysts with low cost, high efficiency, and no need for precious metal cocatalysts are the key to realizing the maximum utilization of solar energy-efficient hydrogen (H2) production. In this study, a series of graphitic carbon nitride-derived catalysts (g-C3N4/CoP@C) were successfully obtained by in situ phosphating of g-C3N4/Co-BDC. A CoP@C cocatalyst developed with Co-BDC nanosheets as precursors can accelerate the H2 generation of g-C3N4. The close interface between CoP@C and g-C3N4 increased the electron–hole separation efficiency. Moreover, the CoP@C surface carbon accelerated electron transfer and increased the light absorption range. The prepared g-C3N4/CoP@C composite material exhibited H2 production capability up to 1968 μmol g−1 (3 h), approximately 129.9 times that of g-C3N4. Therefore, the CoP@C cocatalyst is proposed as an alternative to non-precious metal cocatalysts based on the findings of the study.