Graphitic carbon nitride based Z scheme photocatalysts: Design considerations, synthesis, characterization and applications

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) has emerged as the most favored photocatalyst owing to its intriguing electronic band structure, stability, cost effectiveness, unique layered structure and facile synthesis procedure. But, the pristine g-C3N4 suffers from a limited photocatalytic activity because of its low charge carrier separation efficiency. Construction of a Z scheme photocatalyst could enhance the charge carrier suppression efficiency and increases the photocatalytic performance significantly. In this review, the design aspects of g-C3N4 based Z scheme photocatalysts and the considerations in the selection of synthesis procedures of g-C3N4 based Z scheme photocatalysts have been analyzed critically. The characterization methods of Z scheme photocatalysts have also been discussed. Further, the recent environmental applications of g-C3N4 based Z scheme photocatalysts have been explored. The review finishes with the concluding remarks and a brief discussion on future challenges and prospects of g-C3N4 based Z scheme photocatalysts. (C) 2019 The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.