Constructing CoP-C/g-C₃N₄ nanocomposites with P-C bond bridged interface and van der Waals heterojunctions for enhanced photocatalytic H₂ evolution

Enhancing the charge transmission rate at the interface of transition metal phosphide cocatalysts is an efficient technique to reinforce the photocatalytic activity action of semiconductors, but achieving a faster interface charge transfer rate remains a challenge. This paper reported the coupling of a two-dimensional carbon layer supported CoP (CoP-C) as a non-noble metal heterostructure catalyst and a two-dimensional porous graphite carbon nitride (CN) photocatalyst to enhance the transmission rate of photogenerated carriers at the interface. Detailed characterizations and mechanism research have confirmed that the P-C bond and Van der Waals heterojunction at the interface function as a novel charge transmission channel, which facilitates the effective transfer of photogenerated carriers from CN to CoP. Furthermore, the large contact area exhibited by the 2D/2D Van der Waals heterojunction offers an increased number of active sites for hydrogen evolution reactions. Consequently, the composite material (CoP-C/CN) formed by the coupling of CoP-C and CN has an enhanced H-2 production rate of 1503 mu mol center dot g(-1)center dot h(-1) (AQY: 3.03 % at 400 nm) and favorable H-2 production stability under visible light irradiation. This investigation not only provides a new idea for the regulation of interface charge transfer pathway but also offers new inspiration for the photocatalytic system's design with the synergistic impacts of 2D/2D VDW heterojunction and chemical bonds.