An acid-modified g-C3N4 (OF-gCN) coupled 2D flower-like flakes of NiO (F-NiO) and aluminum (Al) dispersed Type II heterojunction was explored for photocatalytic H2 production. The morphological effect of 2D F-NiO and NiO nanoparticles on efficiency improvement was also investigated. Acid-treated OF-gCN altered the morphology, where the porous nanosheets of OF-gCN coupled with 2D F-NiO generated 1.1 times improved H2 generation than OF-gCN/NiO NPs due to improved electron transfer, as well as light absorption. Whereas OF-gCN/2D F-NiO@Al generated 1150 μmolg−1 H2, and it was 10.9 and 6.5-fold more than pure OF-gCN and 2D F-NiO, respectively. The efficient photocatalytic production of H2 was associated with the efficient separation and transfer of charges across the heterojunction, increased visible light activity, and provision of a metal site for increased reduction reaction. The ternary composite was also advantageous for optimizing stability for numerous cycles of continuous H2 generation. Thus, acid-modified OF-gCN and 2D flake-like F-NiO, modified with low-cost, earth-abundant, and non-noble Al metal, exhibit great promise for being utilized in the synthesis of inexpensive, morphology-driven catalysts. It also hold promise for wider applications in sustainable energy conversion technologies.

2025

406

09/2025

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0016236125026237