Evidence of improved electron–hole separation in Fe@g-C₃N₄ Photocatalysts

Herein, Fe is loaded into g-C₃N₄ nanosheets (Fe@g-C₃N₄) to form a photoactive system for H2 evolution. The loaded Fe species are present in the +3 oxidation state in the form of amorphous clusters. Upon loading 0.4 atomic% of Fe into g-C₃N₄, the H₂ evolution rate under visible light increases from 2.19 μmol/g centerdot h (g-C₃N₄) to 17.39 μmol/g centerdot h (0.4Fe@g-C₃N₄). Meanwhile, the population of photoexcited electrons increases by 10.6 times in 0.4Fe@g-C₃N₄. The improved separation of electron-hole is behind the enhanced photoactivity for H₂ evolution with Fe@g-C₃N₄.