Non-noble photocatalyst based on g-C₃N₄ nanosheets grafted with Ni(OH)₂ nanoclusters for efficient solar-driven H₂ evolution

To date, the development of safe and highly efficient catalysts for green hydrogen production without the use of precious metals remains a key challenge. In this work, a simple and cheap method for synthesizing catalysts based on g-C3N4 decorated with nanocrystalline Ni(OH)2 is proposed. A series of nanocomposites containing 0, 1, 1.5, 3, and 6 wt % Ni(OH)2 was characterized by PXRD, FTIR, TEM, ASAP, and DRS. Optimization of the composition improved electrical conductivity and increased surface active sites, enhancing the hydrogen evolution reaction. High efficiency under sunlight was confirmed by photoelectrochemical methods and photocatalytic tests using TEOA as an electron donor. The hydrogen evolution rate for the sample with 1.5 wt % Ni (OH)2 reached 2323 mu mol g- 1h- 1. DFT calculations complemented the experimental findings, confirming a typeII heterojunction favorable for charge separation. These results open new prospects for developing affordable and effective catalysts for sustainable hydrogen production.