Efficient charge transfer in Co-doped CeO/graphitic carbon nitride with N vacancies heterojunction for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution.

Photocatalytic hydrogen evolution is a promising and environmentally friendly strategy to prepare renewable energy sources thus addressing the energy crisis and environmental issues, and it is crucial to develop an ideal photocatalytic for highly efficient H production. Herein, the Co-doped CeO decorated on graphitic carbon nitride with N vacancies (NVs) heterostructure photocatalyst (Co-CeO/DCN) is prepared via a simple self-assembly method. Due to the extended light absorption range, and efficient charge separation and migration derived from the introduction of NVs and the heterojunction structure, the photocatalytic activity of the Co-CeO/DCN is largely promoted. The optimal sample 20-Co-CeO/DCN shows a high H evolution rate of 1077.02 μmol gh (λ > 400 nm), which is 113 and 33 times higher than the bare bulk graphitic carbon nitride (BCN) and CeO, respectively. This work will provide a new strategy to develop high-performance photocatalysts using defect engineering and heterojunction engineering for H evolution.