Orange peel derived nanocarbons as enhancers of photocatalytic H2 production

This study investigated the preparation and characterization of graphitic carbon nitride (gCN) from urea and its nanocomposites with carbon dots (CDs) derived from orange peel. The effects of different concentrations of CDs (0.25 wt%, 0.50 wt%, 0.75 wt% and 1 wt%) on the photocatalytic properties of gCN were evaluated. The nanocomposites were synthesized in a nitrogen atmosphere and were throughout characterized by means of chemical, spectroscopic, optical, textural and electrochemical techniques. The results showed that incorporation of CDs improved visible light absorption and charge separation in gCNs. The optimal concentration was determined to be 0.75 wt%, which showed the greatest photocatalytic activity compared to pristine gCN (2791 vs 1214 μmol/g·h). This work demonstrated the potential of CD-doped gCNs as efficient photocatalysts, contributing to the development of sustainable technologies in the field of energy production.