Polymeric Photocatalysts Based on Graphitic Carbon Nitride

Abstract

Semiconductor‐based photocatalysis is considered to be an attractive way for solving the worldwide energy shortage and environmental pollution issues. Since the pioneering work in 2009 on graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C₃N₄) for visible‐light photocatalytic water splitting, g‐C₃N₄‐based photocatalysis has become a very hot research topic. This review summarizes the recent progress regarding the design and preparation of g‐C₃N₄‐based photocatalysts, including the fabrication and nanostructure design of pristine g‐C₃N₄, bandgap engineering through atomic‐level doping and molecular‐level modification, and the preparation of g‐C₃N₄‐based semiconductor composites. Also, the photo­catalytic applications of g‐C₃N₄‐based photocatalysts in the fields of water splitting, CO₂ reduction, pollutant degradation, organic syntheses, and bacterial disinfection are reviewed, with emphasis on photocatalysis promoted by carbon materials, non‐noble‐metal cocatalysts, and Z‐scheme heterojunctions. Finally, the concluding remarks are presented and some perspectives regarding the future development of g‐C₃N₄‐based photocatalysts are highlighted.