Key factors in improving the synthesis and properties of visible-light activated g-C3N4 for photocatalytic hydrogen production and organic pollutant decomposition

Abstract

ABSTRACT Of current interest is visible-light activated g-C3N4, owing to its unique physicochemical properties for the photocatalytic H2 production and pollutant remediation. In this research, the synthetic procedures, physicochemical properties, and major approaches to overcome the intrinsic drawbacks of g-C3N4 are reviewed. Of different synthesis procedures for GCN, thermal polymerization is recommended with advantages such as simplicity, economic, and high yield. Element doping, as a facile method, can modify g-C3N4 structure and improve its performance in the photocatalytic evolution of H2 which is significantly increased from 208 µmol h−1 g−1 for bare g-C3N4 to 5128 µmol h−1 g−1 for P-doped g-C3N4. Ammonium salts can be effectively used for the synthesis of g-C3N4 nanosheets and element doping simultaneously. Vacancy defect plays an important role in the improvement of the photocatalytic activity. Compared to custom photocatalysis and electrocatalysis, photoelectrocatalysis is highly promising for pollutant decontamination due to the effective separation of charge carriers.