Photocatalytic Properties of Graphitic Carbon Nitride Nanocomposites

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) has emerged as a paradigmatic metal-free semiconductor photocatalyst due to its suitable band gap for visible-light absorption, chemical stability and earth-abundant composition. Pristine g-C₃N₄ typically suffers from rapid recombination of photogenerated charge carriers, limited surface area and poor dispersibility in aqueous or organic media. To overcome these limitations, researchers have developed a broad spectrum of nanocomposite strategies, including coupling g-C₃N₄ with polymers, forming heterojunctions with complementary semiconductors, and integrating co-catalytic sites or three-dimensional frameworks. Polymer-g-C₃N₄ hybrids enhance processability and prevent agglomeration, while inorganic heterostructures improve charge separation and expand light-harvesting efficiency. Advances in morphological control—ranging from exfoliated nanosheets and macrogel beads to emulsion-templated spheres—have yielded higher surface areas and tunable porosity. Together, these innovations have substantially boosted photocatalytic activities in water splitting for hydrogen evolution, organic pollutant degradation and selective organic transformations. The versatility of g-C₃N₄ nanocomposites underscores their global significance in sustainable energy production and environmental remediation, paving the way for scalable and recyclable photocatalytic technologies driven by sunlight.

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Photocatalytic Properties of Graphitic Carbon Nitride Nanocomposites publication trend

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Technical terms

Photocatalysis: Light-induced acceleration of a chemical reaction by a semiconductor material.

Band gap: Energy difference between the valence and conduction bands of a semiconductor that determines the absorbed photon wavelength.

Heterojunction: Interface between two semiconductors with differing band structures, facilitating charge separation.

Charge carrier: An electron or hole generated by light absorption that can migrate to reactive sites.

Pickering emulsion: Emulsion stabilised by solid particles at the liquid–liquid interface rather than surfactants.

References

1. Graphitic carbon nitride and polymers: a mutual combination for advanced properties. Materials Horizons (2020).
2. Photoactive Graphitic Carbon Nitride-Based Gel Beads As Recyclable Photocatalysts. ACS Applied Polymer Materials (2020).
3. Graphitic Carbon Nitride Stabilizers Meet Microfluidics: From Stable Emulsions to Photoinduced Synthesis of Hollow Polymer Spheres. Small (2020).