Recent progress in modifications of g-C3N4 for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution and CO2 reduction

Abstract

Photocatalytic H₂ evolution and CO₂ reduction are promising technologies for addressing environmental and energy issues. g-C₃N₄ is one of most promising materials to form improved catalysts because of its exceptional electrical structure, physical and chemical characteristics, and distinctive metal-free feature. This article provides a summary of current advancements in g-C₃N₄-based catalysts from innovative design approaches and their applications. Hydrogen evolution has reached 6305.18 µmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹ and >9 h of stability using the SnS₂/g-C₃N₄ heterojunction. Additionally, the ZnO/Au/g-C₃N₄ maintains a constant CO generation rate of 689.7 mol m⁻² during the 8 h reaction. To fully understand the interior relationship of theory–structure performance on g-C₃N₄-based materials, modifications are studied simultaneously. Furthermore, the synthesis of g-C₃N₄ and g-C₃N₄-based materials, as well as their respective instances, have been reported. The reduction of CO₂ and H₂ generation is summarized. Lastly, a short overview of the present issues and potential alternatives for g-C₃N₄-based materials is provided.