Efficient charge carrier separation over [Mo7O24]6- polyanions-intercalated porous graphitic carbon nitride for remarkably enhanced photocatalytic performance

Ion intercalation technique is an effective strategy for enhancing the separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs in photocatalysis. In this work, a novel [Mo 7 O 24 ] 6- polyanions-intercalated porous graphitic carbon nitride (MPCN) was synthesized through straightforward calcination process, based on the simple disolution-mixing of precursors and the drying-grinding treatment of the product. By optimizing the intercalation ratio of [Mo 7 O 24 ] 6- polyanions, the resulting MPCN demonstrated not only an extended light absorption range, but also an increased number of active sites. Furthermore, O atoms in the intercalated [Mo 7 O 24 ] 6- polyanions acted as efficient electron acceptors, effectively extracting photo-induced electrons from PCN and thereby promoting photo-induced carrier separation. Driven by the local electric field, the optimized MPCN exhibited a remarkable H 2 evolution rate of 1.08 mmol/g/h, surpassing that of pristine CN and PCN by factors of 2.5 and 2.3, respectively. Additionally, MPCN also behaved superior photocatalytic activity in the degradation of RhB. This work provides a promising approach for addressing energy shortages and environmental remediation through advanced photocatalyst design.