The co-modification of C3N4 by Pt single atom and cluster improves the photocatalytic hydrogen production performance

Photocatalytic hydrogen production is a kind of green hydrogen production technology. C3N4 semiconductor photocatalysis has attracted researchers' attention because of its nontoxic, harmless, and low-cost advantages. However, the low activity and carrier separation efficiency of the C3N4 photocatalyst are still unsatisfactory. In this study, the original C3N4 catalyst for H2 production was improved by incorporating Pt single atoms and clusters as cocatalysts in a simple oil bath. The catalyst with the best activity, Pt/C3N4-7, exhibited a hydrogen production performance of 28.2 mmol/g/h, with an apparent quantum yield of 21.2% at a wavelength of 420 nm. It is 282 times and 3 times that of the original C3N4 and Pt nanoparticles-modified C3N4, respectively. The excellent electrical conductivity of Pt enhances the electron transfer between the triazine rings in C3N4 and the absorbance. Reducing carrier recombination and improving interlayer electron transfer significantly improve the photocatalytic hydrogen production activity.