Embedding Noble-Metal-Free Ni2P Cocatalyst on g-C3N4 for Enhanced Photocatalytic H2 Evolution in Water Under Visible Light

Photocatalytic hydrogen evolution is considered as one of the promising pathways to settle the energy crises and environmental issues by utilizing solar energy. In this paper, noble-metal-free Ni 2 P was used as cocatalyst to enhance g-C 3 N 4 for photocatalytic hydrogen production under visible light irradiation (λ > 420 nm). Characterization results indicated that Ni 2 P nanoparticles were successfully loaded onto g-C 3 N 4 , which can significantly contribute to accelerate the separation and transfer of photogenerated electron. The hydrogen evolution rate reached ∼ 270 µmol h −1  g −1 and the apparent quantum yield (AQY) was ∼ 2.85% at 420 nm. Meanwhile, there is no obviously decrease of the hydrogen production rate even after 36 h under visible light illumination. In addition, the mechanism of photocatalytic hydrogen evolution was also elaborated in detail. Graphical