Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) as an emerging photocatalyst for sustainable environmental applications: a comprehensive review

Abstract

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) stands as a prominent and sustainable photocatalyst, offering a transformative solution to pressing environmental and energy challenges. This review article provides a comprehensive examination of g-C₃N₄, spanning its synthesis methods, structural properties, photocatalytic mechanisms, and diverse applications. By delving into various synthesis techniques and their respective merits, we reveal recent breakthroughs that underscore the material's growing significance. Unveiling the critical structural attributes governing photocatalytic performance, including bandgap, surface area, and porosity, we explore the impact of doping and modification on enhancing its capabilities. In elucidating the photocatalytic mechanisms, we showcase how g-C₃N₄ facilitates crucial processes like water splitting, pollutant degradation, and solar-driven carbon dioxide reduction, emphasizing its unique selectivity and efficiency. Through concrete examples and case studies, we highlight its versatility in applications ranging from water purification to hydrogen production and air quality enhancement, underscoring the environmental and economic benefits that come with its adoption. Challenges such as quantum efficiency and charge carrier recombination are addressed, alongside a forward-looking perspective on emerging trends and innovations. Ultimately, this review positions g-C₃N₄ as a sustainable game-changer in the realm of environmental and energy technologies, offering a promising path towards a more sustainable future.