An overview of synthesis, morphology, and versatile applications of nanostructured graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4)

Abstract

Nanostructured graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) has garnered significant attention due to its unique properties arising from the quantum size effect in nanoparticles. These properties include magnetism, optics, acoustics, thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity, and superconductivity. Tailored morphologies, such as nanotubes and ultrathin nanosheets, exhibit enhanced characteristics like increased band gap values, efficient charge separation, and substantial specific surface areas. These features make g-C3N4 promising for applications in diverse fields, including photocatalysis, electronics, energy storage, and biotechnology. The synthesis of g-C3N4 in nanoscale forms is of particular interest, offering higher surface areas, abundant active sites, improved water dispersibility, and a wider band gap. Various nanoarchitectures of g-C3N4, including nanosheets, nanotubes, nanorods, quantum dots, nano-spherical frameworks, and nanocomposites, have been explored. Scientists employ top-down approaches inspired by graphene extraction and bottom-up methods like templating to manipulate the structure. Nanostructured g-C3N4′s nontoxic nature, high stability, and cost-effective synthesis further contribute to its increasing interest, especially in energy and environmental applications. Moreover, nanostructured g-C3N4 has emerged as a potential two-dimensional nanomaterial with intrinsic features that cater specifically to various applications. Additionally, it can be utilized in the development of advanced nanomaterials, which offer additional advantages through their synergistic attachment or binding to specific targets of interest.