g-C3N4 Nanosheet Nanoarchitectonics: H2 Generation and CO2 Reduction

Few-layered graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) has been considered a popular base for constructing composite materials in photocatalytic CO2 reduction and H-2 generation applications, particularly for constructing g-C3N4 based composites based on the idea of nanoarchitectonics. The photocatalytic activity of these constructed g-C3N4 composites relies on the composition, morphology, microstructure of the material. This review aims to focus on the summary of latest progress in the development of few-layered g-C3N4 nanosheets based noble metal clusters/nanoparticles and other semiconductor nanomaterials modified composite materials constructed using the technology of nanoarchitectonics for photocatalytic H-2 generation and CO2 reduction. This review covers a brief introduction of the enhanced photogenerated carrier separation and transfer as well as extended light absorption of superior thin g-C3N4 nanosheets based photocatalysts; discussions on the mechanism of g-C3N4 based photocatalyst involved photocatalytic H2O splitting and CO2 reduction system; the latest progress in the study of nanoarchitectonics of a variety of g-C3N4 based heterostructures including type II, Z-scheme, S-scheme, and Schottky junction. Major challenges on nanoarchitectonics of superior thin g-C3N4 based heterostructures, as well as the recommendations for future studies of these materials to attain higher efficiency in photocatalytic H-2 generation and CO2 reduction, are also concluded.

Automated summary

This review summarizes the latest progress in the development of few-layered graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) nanosheets based composite materials for photocatalytic H-2 generation and CO2 reduction, with a focus on nanoarchitectonics. The photocatalytic activity of these composites depends on the composition, morphology, and microstructure of the material. The review covers the enhanced photogenerated carrier separation and transfer, extended light absorption, mechanism, and progress in the study of various g-C3N4 based heterostructures, as well as the challenges and recommendations for future studies.