High surface area, spongy graphitic carbon nitride derived by selective etching by Pt and Ru nanoparticles in hydrogen

Abstract It was observed for the first time that specific surface area of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4 ) increased from 32 m 2 g −1 to 142 and 171 Pt Ru, respectively, due etching g-C by Ru nanoparticles. Metal nanoparticles catalyze hydrogenation C – bonds “move” through structure tunnels in it creating “spongy nitride” (sgCN). The reactions take place on metal NPs, which are covered with oxidized forms capable strong interactions nitrogen, confirmed XPS studies. activation energy is 112 151 kJmol nanoparticles, respectively. process mass spectrometry temperature programmed reduction coupled on-line infrared spectroscopy. On basis thermodynamic considerations quantum mechanical calculations strengths, a probable mechanism proposed. Graphical abstract