Modified g-C3N4 photocatalysts for clean energy and environmental applications: a review

Abstract

The exponential growth in human population presents significant challenges to the long-term sustainability of civilization through escalating global energy crises and environmental issues. Governments and researchers are actively investigating green and clean technologies as potential solutions to these problems. Moreover, water pollution has become a critical concern, with industrial effluents and anthropogenic activities contaminating potable water sources, resulting in severe health risks. Simultaneously, CO₂ emissions from fossil fuel combustion contribute to global warming, necessitating immediate intervention. In this context, semiconductor-based photocatalysis has emerged as a cost-effective, renewable, clean, and secure technology distinguished by its demonstrable advantages. Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) is noteworthy among the photocatalysts for its affordability, high thermal and chemical stability, suitable bandgap, and appropriate band positions. Nevertheless, the photocatalytic performance of g-C₃N₄ is affected by its weak light response and high rate of photoinduced charge recombination. This article outlines the synthesis methods and different approaches for improving g-C₃N₄-based photocatalysis to broaden its use in renewable energy generation and environmental cleanup.