A novel copper-bridged graphitic carbon nitride/porphyrin nanocomposite with dramatically enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen generation

The interaction between TCPP and g-C3N4 was greatly strengthened because of the special Cu, which effectively promoted the electron transfer between g-C3N4 and TCPP. Importantly, H2 release rate for the g-C3N4-Cu-TCPP was 9.6 times higher than that of the g-C3N4-TCPP, and 6 times higher than that of the g-C3N4-CuTCPP. It is shown that a highly efficient photocatalysts can be achieved by means of the bridging of metals. [Display omitted] •A particular Cu bridged g-C3N4/carboxyphenylporphyrin was achieved.•The nanocomposite showed dramatically increased activity for H2 production.•The mechanisms of assembly and photocatalysis were explored in detail.•It provides a smart strategy for fabricating excellent materials for H2 production. With Cu as interfacial linkers, meso-tetra (4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrin (TCPP) as visible light absorption antennas, and graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) as a substance, a novel g-C3N4/porphyrin nanocomposite (g-C3N4-Cu-TCPP) with enhanced light absorption and efficient electron transfer was facilely assembled. The morphology, composition, and structure of the nanocomposite were characterized by TEM, XPS, XRD and infrared spectroscopy. The results showed that the introduction of Cu in the interface of g-C3N4 and TCPP can smartly regulate the morphology and structure of the g-C3N4-TCPP. More importantly, the interaction between TCPP and g-C3N4 was greatly strengthened. Subsequently, the electron transfer between g-C3N4 and TCPP was effectively promoted, and the activity of photocatalytic hydrogen production was dramatically improved without loading other cocatalysts, which showed the vital role of Cu implanted in the g-C3N4/TCPP.