Confined reaction inside nanotubes: New approach to mesoporous g-C₃N₄ photocatalysts

Mesoporous g-C₃N₄ nanorods (NRs) are synthesized through the nano-confined thermal condensation of cyanamide in silica nanotubes (NTs) with porous shells. The gas bubbles retained during condensation and the limited cyanamide precursor inside the silica NTs lead to the formation of mesoporous g-C₃N₄. This nano-confined reaction is an alternative method to the traditional templating process for the synthesis of mesoporous materials. The as-prepared mesoporous g-C₃N₄ NRs exhibit remarkably improved photocatalytic activity and high stability in water splitting and degradation of Rhodamine B compared with bulk g-C₃N₄.