Recent advances in the synthesis of g-C3N4 nanocomposites for energy conversion and environmental remediation applications

Abstract

Graphitic Carbon Nitride (GCN) has garnered significant attention in recent decades as a potential candidate for various photocatalytic activities due to its ability to respond to visible light and its broad range of potential applications. Despite its high chemical stability, suitable band gap, rapid accessibility and unique layered structure, GCN suffers from several limitations, including fast recombination rate, carrier separation of charge and partial visible light absorption, that make it unsuitable for further applications. Researchers are focused on tuning the electronic structure of GCN by altering its morphology via interaction with other highly conducting materials or by doping at its structural defects. This review presents the elaborate history of the introduction of GCN, provides an overview of the structure and morphological properties of GCN, and focuses on the variety of synthesis techniques of GCN composites using chemical and biological methods. Finally, the photocatalytic applications of GCN composites for both environmental and energy applications are discussed. Environmental applications include water remediation, adsorption of waste materials, disinfection and removal. Energy applications involve water splitting, CO₂ reduction and H₂O₂ production. Alternative applications like organic transformation reactions are also briefly discussed in this review.