Structural engineering of g-C3N4 for enhanced antibacterial efficacy

Abstract

g-C₃N₄, as a novel photocatalytic antibacterial material, has been widely studied due to its broad-spectrum antibacterial properties, strong photocatalytic activity, excellent chemical and thermal stability, high versatility, and low cost. However, there is still a lack of comprehensive summaries regarding its antibacterial applications. This article reviews the preparation methods, antibacterial principles, and enhancement strategies of g-C₃N₄, and discusses its current status and prospects in antibacterial applications. Firstly, the principles of preparing g-C₃N₄ using methods such as thermosetting polymerization, solvothermal synthesis, electrochemical deposition, chemical vapor deposition, and microwave-assisted synthesis are introduced. Then, starting from the antibacterial mechanisms of g-C₃N₄, strategies for enhancing antibacterial performance through surface modification, elemental doping, and constructing heterojunctions are discussed. Additionally, the antibacterial applications of g-C₃N₄ in fields such as water purification, wound infection, textiles, and packaging materials are summarized, showcasing its broad application prospects. We believe that this review will open new avenues for the development of g-C₃N₄ antibacterial materials and expand their use into a wider range of applications.