Hydrogen Evolution Reaction in a Large‐Scale Reactor using a Carbon Nitride Photocatalyst under Natural Sunlight Irradiation

Abstract

Abstract In this study, we show the first hydrogen evolution performed in a large‐scale photoreactor under natural sunlight irradiation with a mesoporous carbon nitride photocatalyst immobilized on nine stainless steel plates by drop‐coating. Stable films were obtained producing approximately 18 L gaseous hydrogen within one month time on stream at an average hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) rate of 0.22 L kWh −1 . The rate could be nicely predicted from preliminary lab‐scale experiments under well‐defined conditions. Furthermore, the hydrogen production correlates with the sunlight intensity. Based on the total energy input, a maximum solar‐to‐hydrogen (STH) conversion of 0.12 % was obtained.