The rational design of Au0/g-C3N4 photocatalysts with enhanced charge separation for visible-light-driven water purification

• The synthesis method for depositing Au is crucial for the photocatalytic activity • Au/g-C 3 N 4 catalysts prepared by a simple, scalable deposition technique are the most active catalysts • Addition of Au enhanced electron-hole separation in the graphitic carbon nitride • The most active catalysts were thought to have a bimodal distribution of small gold nanoparticles • The reactive species were O 2 •- and photogenerated holes, with • OH playing a minor role