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 effluent and anthropogenic activities contaminating potable water sources, resulting in severe health risks. Simultaneously, the emission of CO2 from fossil fuel combustion contributes to global warming, necessitating immediate intervention. In this context, semiconductor-based photocatalysis emerges as a cost-effective, renewable, clean, and secure technology, distinguishing itself through its demonstrable advantages. Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) is noteworthy among 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 to improve g-C3N4-based photocatalysis, aiming to broaden its use in renewable energy generation and environmental cleanup.