Recent advances in g-C3N4/Metal organic frameworks heterojunctions for high-performance photocatalytic environmental remediation and energy production

Abstract

Photocatalytic technology has emerged as a promising solution for environmental remediation and energy production, and the development of efficient and stable photocatalysts is of great importance. Recent advances in g-C3N4/Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs) heterojunctions have shown excellent potential in achieving high-performance photocatalytic environmental remediation and energy production. In this review, we have summarized the recent advances in the design and synthesis of g-C3N4/MOFs heterojunctions and their application in photocatalytic environmental remediation and energy production. We have discussed the advantages and challenges of g-C3N4/MOFs heterojunctions, such as enhanced light absorption, increased surface area, and improved electron-hole separation, and their effects on photocatalytic performance. We also highlight the recent research progress in the utilization of g-C3N4/MOFs heterojunctions for various environmental remediation applications, including the degradation of organic pollutants and the removal of heavy metals, as well as for energy production applications such as hydrogen evolution and CO2 reduction. Furthermore, we provide an overview of the latest theoretical and experimental investigations into the mechanisms of photocatalysis in g-C3N4/MOFs heterojunctions, which can help to guide the rational design of high-performance photocatalysts. Our analysis of the literature reveals that g-C3N4/MOF heterojunctions have demonstrated excellent photocatalytic activity for the degradation of various pollutants, such as methyl orange, rhodamine B, and bisphenol A. For instance, a g-C3N4/ZIF-8 heterojunction achieved a photocatalytic degradation rate of 99.9% for methyl orange under visible light irradiation within 60 min. Moreover, the g-C3N4/MOF heterojunctions have also been found to be efficient in water splitting for hydrogen production. For instance, a g-C3N4/UiO-66 heterojunction achieved a hydrogen production rate of 1260 μmol h−1g−1 under visible light irradiation. The recent data on the advances in g-C3N4/MOFs heterojunctions demonstrate their enormous potential for practical applications in photocatalytic environmental remediation and energy production.