Recent Progress in Quantum Dots Modified g-C3N4-based Composite Photocatalysts

Graphite carbon nitride (g-C3N4), as a non-metallic photocatalyst, possesses special band structure, excellent stability and unique surface properties, which has become a focus of attention for photocatalytic application. However, pure g-C3N4 is subject to the limit of visible light response, small specific surface area and rapid recombination of photogenerated carriers, which leads to its low photocatalytic efficiency. Due to the unique electronic structure, various quantum dots (QDs) can be applied to modify g-C3N4 to improve the photocatalytic activity. Thus, we highlight these QDs modified g-C3N4-based composites by emphasizing their synthesis, their physicochemical properties as well as their photocatalytic applications in CO2 reduction, hydrogen production and pollutants degradation in this review. At last, critical summaries and some perspectives on the challenges and directions in this research field are also presented.

Automated summary

Graphite carbon nitride (g-C3N4), a non-metallic photocatalyst with special band structure and unique surface properties, faces limitations such as visible light response, small specific surface area, and rapid recombination of photogenerated carriers leading to low photocatalytic efficiency. Modification with quantum dots (QDs) shows promise in enhancing the photocatalytic activity of g-C3N4, particularly in applications like CO2 reduction, hydrogen production, and pollutants degradation.