Graphitic Carbon Nitride for Photoelectrochemical Detection of Environmental Pollutants

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) detection technology shows great potential in alleviating the increasingly serious environmental pollution problem. The satisfactory PEC performance mainly depends on the photoelectric conversion efficiency of photoelectrode material. Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) has made great progress in the field of photocatalysis due to its strong light response. Interestingly, g-C3N4 has also attracted many interests in PEC sensing for its capability and unique superiorities, but relevant reviews are yet to be reported. This review mainly describes recent advances in the PEC sensing application of g-C3N4-based photoactive materials. The strategies for the improvement of optoelectrical conversion efficiency of g-C3N4 materials and their multifunctional applications for the PEC detection of environmental pollutants are summarized. The corresponding PEC sensing mechanism is introduced, namely, the correlative enhancement mechanism of light absorption and the separation and migration of photoexcited charge. Finally, the challenges and opportunities for the development of g-C3N4-based PEC sensors are prospected.

Automated summary

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) shows great potential in PEC sensing due to its strong light response and unique advantages. This review summarizes recent advances in using g-C3N4 for PEC detection of environmental pollutants, focusing on strategies to improve optoelectrical conversion efficiency and the PEC sensing mechanism involving light absorption and charge separation and migration. Challenges and opportunities for developing g-C3N4-based PEC sensors are also discussed.