Tin chloride metal salt modified carbon nitride for efficient hydrogen and hydrogen peroxide production from pure water via piezocatalysis

Piezocatalysis presents a sustainable and energy-efficient method for producing hydrogen (H2) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), utilizing mechanical energy to drive chemical reactions without the need for external power sources or harmful chemicals. In this study, we explore the modification of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) using molten salt methods to enhance its piezoelectric properties for H2 and H2O2 production from water without any co-catalysts or sacrificial agents. A one-pot synthesis approach was used to anchor Sn-based species onto g-C3N4. During thermal pyrolysis, SnCl2 facilitated the exfoliation of the g-C3N4 layer. The oxidation of SnCl2 and its interaction with g-C3N4 promoted the formation of g-C3N4/Sn-based composites. The synergistic interaction between exfoliated, defect-rich g-C3N4 and non-piezoelectrically active Sn species leads to a significant enhancement of the piezoelectric effect compared to pristine g-C3N4. Notably, the g-C3N4/Sn-based composites achieved superior H2 (3846.46 μmol g-1 h-1) and H2O2 (999.11 μmol g-1 h-1) production rates from pure water. This work provides new insights into the structural and compositional modulation of g-C3N4 and paves the way for further piezocatalytic research using two-dimensional carbon nitride materials.