Graphitic Carbon Nitride (g-C 3 N 4 ) in Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production: Critical Overview and Recent Advances

Periklis Kyriakos, Evangelos Hristoforou () and George V. Belessiotis ()
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Periklis Kyriakos: School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Zografou, 15780 Athens, Greece
Evangelos Hristoforou: School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Zografou, 15780 Athens, Greece
George V. Belessiotis: School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Zografou, 15780 Athens, Greece

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 13, 1-35

Abstract: Graphitic carbon Nitride (g-C 3 N 4 ) is one of the most utilized graphitic materials in hydrogen (H 2 ) production via photocatalytic water splitting. Thus, a detailed critical overview, updated with the most recent works, has been performed on the synthesis methods, modification techniques, characterization, and mechanisms of g-C 3 N 4 and g-C 3 N 4 -based composite materials, with the aim of clarifying the optimum course towards highly efficient hydrogen-producing photocatalysts based on this promising material. First, the synthesis methods for different morphologies of pure g-C 3 N 4 (bulk, nanosheets, nanotubes and nanodots) are critically analyzed in detail for every step and parameter involved, with special mention regarding the modification methods of g-C 3 N 4 (doping and composite formation). Next, the most common results of g-C 3 N 4 characterization, regarding structural, morphological, optical, and electrical properties, are presented and analyzed. Then, a detailed critical survey of the mechanisms, using g-C 3 N 4 and g-C 3 N 4 -based composites during photocatalytic activity, is performed with a focus on their effect on their hydrogen production capabilities via water splitting. This review aims to provide a clear image of all aspects regarding the use of g-C 3 N 4 for photocatalysis, as well as a comprehensive guide for research targeted towards this promising graphitic material.

Keywords: graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4 ); hydrogen (H 2 ); water splitting; photocatalysis; photocatalytic composite; synthesis method; exfoliation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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