Simultaneously improving O2 adsorption and activation for H2O2 photogeneration on K-doped-carbon nitride.

O2 adsorption and activation are important factors in H2O2 production. Here, polymeric carbon nitride (PCN) with K was prepared using a hydrothermal method. Modified PCN with strong Lewis acidic-basic sites is favorable for O2 adsorption and activation from air, and could quickly supplement the oxygen adsorbed from the air for the production of a high H2O2 yield (2102.11 μmol g-1), and the yield is 42 times higher than that of pristine PCN in the atmosphere. The apparent quantum yields (AQYs) are 3.87% and 2.62% at 385 and 420 nm in the atmosphere, respectively.