10.1007/s40097-021-00442-5

Layered graphitic carbon nitride: nano-heterostructures, photo/electro-chemical performance and trends

  • Xiao Zhang1,
  • Xiaoran Zhang1,
  • Ping Yang2,
  • San Ping Jiang*1,
  1. Energy and Chemical Engineering, WA School of Mines: Minerals, Curtin University, Perth, WA, 6845, AU
  2. School of Material Science and Engineering, University of Jinan, Jinan, 250022, CN

Published in Issue 04-09-2021

How to Cite

Zhang, X., Zhang, X., Yang, P., & Jiang, S. P. (2021). Layered graphitic carbon nitride: nano-heterostructures, photo/electro-chemical performance and trends. Journal of Nanostructure in Chemistry, 12(5 (October 2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40097-021-00442-5
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Abstract

Abstract As an organic semiconductor, graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4 ) nanosheets have been developed into a highly active photocatalyst for H 2 O splitting generating H 2 under visible light irradiation condition and for reduction of CO 2 . The photo/electro-chemical performances are dependent on the porous structure, morphology, thickness, and crystallinity of the materials. Construction of g-C 3 N 4 heterojunctions can be vital in enhancing catalytic performances. Instead of focusing on the photocatalysis of g-C 3 N 4 (as in other reviews), this review aims to focus on the photo- and electro-chemical as well as photoluminescence (PL) properties of layered g-C 3 N 4 nanostructured materials with various morphologies. Latest progress in chemical synthesis and engineering of g-C 3 N 4 homo- and hetero-structures are summarized in this review, including exploring (i) the relationship between morphology, composition, crystallinity and thickness of the material; (ii) the construction of homo-/hetero-structures and their band gaps; (iii) photo-/electro-chemical performances; (iv) the possible applications and trends of graphitic carbon nitride materials. The electro-catalytic performance and photoluminescence property of g-C 3 N 4 nanosheets for applications in electrocatalysis and emitting devices are discussed. A variety of versatile properties of g-C 3 N 4 nanomaterials have been constantly discovered recent years. The property evolution and invigorating perspectives on major challenges of layered graphitic carbon nitride are also concluded.

Keywords

  • g-C3N4,
  • Band gap engineering,
  • Morphology and composition,
  • Photo and electro chemistry

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