Template synthesis of carbon self-doped g-C3N4 with enhanced visible to near-infrared absorption and photocatalytic performance

In order to fully address the low surface area, fast charge recombination and limited visible light absorption of pristine g-C₃N₄, we present a novel and straightforward strategy towards the synthesis of carbon self-doped g-C₃N₄ by using porous carbon foam as a soft-template. The C-doped g-C₃N₄ displayed a high BET surface area (65 m² g^?1), extended absorption ranging from visible light to near-infrared (800 nm) and accelerated electron–hole separation. The role of carbon doping on the band structure and electrical conductivity was revealed. The optimized C-doped g-C₃N₄ demonstrated an exceptionally high photocatalytic performance towards the purification of NO in air, and exceeded other reported visible-light photocatalysts, such as nonmetal-doped TiO₂, BiOBr, (BiO)₂CO₃ and porous g-C₃N₄. This decent C-doped g-C₃N₄ photocatalyst also showed good photocatalytic stability for NO removal. The present work could provide new insights into the modification and understanding of self-doped semiconductor photocatalysts.