Hybrid CN-MEA microplates with enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution under visible light irradiation

Herein, novel hybrid CN-MEA microplates have been prepared by solvothermally treating g-C3N4 using monoethanolamine (MEA) as a reaction medium. In this route, MEA plays an important role as a structure- and morphology-directing agent. As for the photocatalytic performance, the hydrogen evolution rate of hybrid CN-MEA microplates is about 9.5 times that of pure g-C3N4 under visible-light irradiation. The unique crystal structure and morphology of the as-synthesized materials, as well as the facts that the incorporated MEA serves as an electron donor, and the corresponding enhanced surface H2O adsorption are considered to be responsible for the improvement of photocatalytic activity.