Synthesis of mesoporous graphitic C3N4 using cross-linked bimodal mesoporous SBA-15 as a hard template

Mesoporous graphitic C 3 N 4 has been synthesized using a novel cross-linked bimodal mesoporous (CLBM) SBA-15 as a hard template. This cross-linked bimodal mesoporous SBA-15 template was prepared by adjusting the pH to alter the copolymer micelle size. The resulting mesoporous g -C 3 N 4 replicates the morphology of the mesoporous silica template, and numerous pore openings are formed on the surfaces. The mesoporous g -C 3 N 4 exhibits a high specific surface area and a large pore volume . The photocatalytic degradation activity of methyl orange on mesoporous g -C 3 N 4 is nearly 15.3 times as high as that on bulk- g -C 3 N 4 under visible light irradiation. The high photocatalytic performance of this sample is due to the high specific surface area and more readily accessible active sites.