Fabrication of hollow nanotubes of g-C3N4: Enhanced photocatalytic tetracycline degradation and hydrogen evolution
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: A porous hollow nanotube-structured graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4), designated NCN-1, was synthesized by tuning the melamine/urea precursor ratio and using a combined grinding–calcination strategy. Its photocatalytic performance for tetracycline (TC) degradation and hydrogen evolution under visible light was systematically evaluated. The unique morphology provides a large specific surface area, abundant active sites, and shortened charge migration paths, significantly enhancing charge separation efficiency.NCN-1 achieved 84.2% TC degradation in 70 min, 2.7 and 6.0 times higher than layered (MCN) and bulk g-C3N4 (UCN), respectively. Radical trapping identified •O2⁻ as the primary reactive species, with h⁺ as a secondary contributor. NCN-1 also exhibited exceptional H2 evolution at 2741.50 μmol·g⁻¹·h⁻¹, outperforming MCN and UCN by 11.0- and 31.4-fold. This superior activity stems from three synergistic effects: (i) hierarchical porous nanotube architecture enabling efficient adsorption and mass transport; (ii) enhanced charge separation, confirmed by higher photocurrent and lower charge transfer resistance; and (iii) a slightly widened bandgap with a more negative conduction band, strengthening the reducing power of photogenerated electrons. This work offers valuable insights into rational morphological engineering of high-performance g-C₃N₄-based photocatalysts.
Source: Next Materials
Authors: Li Zhou, Menghan Xu, Wenjie Zhang, Tao Wang, Xiaoquan Yao
Institution: Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Language: English
Field: Energy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,280
OpenAlex ID: W7154625902