Water-soluble ribbon-like graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4): green synthesis, self-assembly and unique optical properties

Ribbon-like g-C3N4 was obtained from dicyandiamide using NaCl crystals as the template. Modification of the texture led to an increase of the band gap to 3.0 eV, with much stronger photoluminescence. Hydrogen bonding produces an exceptionally stable dispersion in water. Upon adding different alcohols, various special assemblies were observed to precipitate from the dispersion.