Synthesis of Polymeric Carbon Nitrides in a Low-Cost Moka Furnace for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Generation with Visible Light

Photochemical reactions are constantly present in our everyday lives and play an increasingly important role in our society. One relevant aspect for the future is the conversion of light energy into chemical energy to produce hydrogen. This process not only allows teachers to address the social dimension of hydrogen as an energy carrier but also enables relevant school topics such as photochemistry, catalysis, nanomaterials, energy transfer, and redox reactions to be taught. In the series of experiments presented, the photocatalyst polymeric carbon nitrides can be synthesized in a self-build €8 low-cost moka muffle furnace. These photocatalysts can produce detectable amounts of hydrogen within 15 min under UV light in a system with EDTA as an electron donor and platinum as a co-catalyst. Adding the photosensitizer Proflavin, the process is also possible with visible light. To enhance the experiments in school, a sensitive and inexpensive detection method was developed. A hydrogen-sensitive film can be produced and enables the detection of small amounts of hydrogen in a classroom.