Effective strategies for improved optoelectronic properties of graphitic carbon nitride: A review

Abstract

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) is a promising two-dimensional material having a nanostructured morphology and non-toxic nature that is metal-free and environmentally friendly. Optical, electronic, and chemical sciences are expanded by the many applications of g-C3N4. However, g-C3N4 offers lower absorbance of solar light, transmitting the higher wavelengths of visible light and the near-infra red and infrared light, restricting its utility for solar light-dependent applications such as photocatalysis, photovoltaics, water splitting, dye degradation, and deterioration of harmful organics. Due to its enhanced thermal, hydrothermal and chemical stability, compelling band gap structure (2.7 eV), and eco-friendliness, g-C3N4 has become a powerful substitute for metal and semiconductor-based catalysis. In this review, we highlight the synthesis and modifications of g-C3N4 relevant to certain important applications. We also computed certain recent modifications and effective strategies to improve the optoelectronic properties of g-C3N4 and thus arrived finally at interesting avenues for future research.