An overview of the structural, textural and morphological modulations of g-C3N4 towards photocatalytic hydrogen production

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) is gaining more and more importance as a photocatalytic material due to its promising electronic band structure and high thermal and chemical stability. Very recently, a variety of nanostructured g-C3N4 photocatalysts with varying shapes, sizes, morphologies and electronic band structures have been reported for application in photocatalytic research. This critical review represents an extensive overview of the synthesis of a variety of g-C3N4 nanostructured materials with a controllable structure, morphology and surface modification for superior electronic properties. This article highlights the design of efficient photocatalysts for the splitting of water into hydrogen gas using solar energy. Finally, in the summary and outlook, this article highlights the ongoing challenges and opportunities of g-C3N4. It is also hoped that this review will stimulate further investigation and will open up new possibilities to develop new hybrid g-C3N4 materials with new and exciting applications.