An overview of the structural, textural and morphological modulations of g-C3N4 towards photocatalytic hydrogen production

Abstract

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) is gaining more and more importance as a photocatalytic material due to its promising electronic band structure and high thermal and chemical stability. Very recently, a variety of nanostructured g-C₃N₄ photocatalysts with varying shapes, sizes, morphologies and electronic band structures have been reported for application in photocatalytic research. This critical review represents an extensive overview of the synthesis of a variety of g-C₃N₄ nanostructured materials with a controllable structure, morphology and surface modification for superior electronic properties. This article highlights the design of efficient photocatalysts for the splitting of water into hydrogen gas using solar energy. Finally, in the summary and outlook, this article highlights the ongoing challenges and opportunities of g-C₃N₄. It is also hoped that this review will stimulate further investigation and will open up new possibilities to develop new hybrid g-C₃N₄ materials with new and exciting applications.