ZnCr LDH nanosheets modified graphitic carbon nitride for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen production

ZnCr layered double hydroxides (ZnCr LDH) nanosheets modified graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) nanohybrids were fabricated via a self-assembly procedure through electrostatic interaction between these two components. Such 2D-2D inorganic-organic hybrid material was employed for photocatalytic hydrogen production under visible light for the first time. The physical and photophysical properties of the hybrid nanocomposites were investigated to reveal the effect of ZnCr LDH nanosheets on the photocatalytic activities of g-C₃N₄. It was found that 1 wt% ZnCr LDH nanosheets modified g-C₃N₄ was optimal for the formation of intimate interfacial contact. The visible light photocatalytic H₂ production activity over g-C₃N₄ was enhanced about 2.8 times after ZnCr LDH nanosheets modification. The significant enhancement in photocatalytic performance for ZnCr LDH/g-C₃N₄ heterojunction should be attributed to the promoted charge transfer and separation efficiency, resulting from the intimate interfacial contact and Type II band alignment between ZnCr LDH and g-C₃N₄.