Graphitic carbon nitride (geC3N4)ebased semiconductor as a beneficial candidate in photocatalysis diversity
Abstract
Due to the future uses of solar energy in different areas, such as the oxidation of fossil fuelbased
contaminants, the reduction of carbon dioxide, heterogeneous photocatalysis, and
the generation of inexhaustible and renewable hydrogen gas exploits semiconductors. As a
metal free photocatalyst, graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) is classified to solve these energy
hazards and ecological difficulties owing to its excellent electronic structure with band
energy of about 2.7 eV, robust photochemical stability, and better light-harvesting efficiency.
However, its photocatalytic performance is still insufficient due to a minor surface
area and poor conductivity. Therefore, heterojunction formation by combining it with a
giant band gap material is a potential approach to reestablish polarization in its distinctive
band structure, increase its light absorption capacity and enhance its surface area. In this
regard, various synthesis techniques have been applied so far to integrate g-C3N4 and other
materials for boosting its photocatalytic activity. So far, metal oxide, sulfides, and ferrites
are three crucial groups of materials that have been identified and defined to be used to
synthesize g-C3N4 dependent nanocomposites. As a result, in this review, we have
compiled a list of the most recent g-C3N4 nanocomposites with their applications in solar
energy adaptation and pollution control. This study concludes an overview about the next
steps to study the nanomaterials based g-C3N4 composites and a range of additional insights
to solve the present problems.