Current advances on g-C3N4-based fluorescence detection for environmental contaminants

The development of highly-sensitive fluorescence detection systems for environmental contaminants has become high priority research in the past years. Special attention has been paid to graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4)based nanomaterials, whose unique and superior optical property makes them promising and attractive candidates for this purpose. It is necessary to enhance the current understanding of the various classes of g-C3N4-based fluorescence detection systems and their mechanisms, as well as find suitable approaches to improve detection performance for environmental monitoring, protection, and management. In this review, the recent progresses on g-C3N4-based fluorescence detections for environmental contaminants, mainly including their basic principles, mechanisms, applications, modification strategies, and conclusions, are summarized. A particular emphasis is placed on the design and development of modification strategies for g-C3N4 with the objective of improving detection performance. High photoluminescence quantum yield, tunable fluorescence emission characteristics, and strong adsorption capacity of g-C3N4 could ensure the ultrasensitivity and selectivity of fluorescence detection of environmental contaminants. Concluding perspectives on the challenges and opportunities to design highly efficient g-C3N4-based fluorescence detection system are intensively put forward as well.

Automated summary

The development of highly-sensitive fluorescence detection systems for environmental contaminants, particularly using graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) based nanomaterials, has become a high priority research focus in recent years. The review emphasizes the importance of understanding the mechanisms and improving detection performance through modification strategies for g-C3N4, which offers high photoluminescence quantum yield, tunable fluorescence emission characteristics, and strong adsorption capacity for ultrasensitive and selective fluorescence detection of environmental contaminants. Recommendations for future challenges and opportunities in designing highly efficient g-C3N4-based fluorescence detection systems are also provided.