Binaphthyl Mediated Low Temperature Synthesis of Carbon Nitride Photocatalyst for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution

Metal-free graphitic carbon nitrides are on the rise as polymer photocatalysts under visible light illumination, taking shares in a range of promising photocatalytic reactions, including water splitting. Their simple synthesis and facile structural modification afford them exceptional tunability, enabling the creation of photocatalysts with distinct properties. While their metal-free nature marks a significant step towards environmental sustainability, the high energy consumption required to produce carbon nitride photocatalysts remains a substantial barrier to their widespread adoption. Furthermore, the process of condensation at approximately 550 °C typically results in solid yields of less than 15 %, significantly challenging their economic viability. Here, we report on lowering manufacturing conditions of carbon nitride photocatalysts whilst enhancing photocatalytic activity by introducing binaphthyl diamine as a structural mediator. At 450 °C in 2 hours, carbon nitride photocatalyst shows a lower bandgap and enables visible light induced hydrogen evolution (194 μmol h⁻¹) comparable to benchmark carbon nitride photocatalysts.