Preparation and characterization of graphitic carbon nitride through pyrolysis of melamine

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) has been synthesized via a two-step pyrolysis of melamine (C3H6N6) at 800 degrees C for 2 h under vacuum conditions. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns strongly indicate that the synthesized sample is g-C3N4. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) morphologies indicate that the product is mainly composed of graphitic carbon nitride. The stoichiometric ratio of C:N is determined to be 0.72 by elemental analysis (EA). Chemical bonding of the sample has been investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) verifies the bonding state between carbon and nitrogen atoms. Optical properties of the g-C3N4 were investigated by PL (photoluminescence) measurements and UV-Vis (ultraviolet-visible) absorption spectra. We suppose its luminescent properties may have potential application as component of optical nanoscale devices. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) were also performed.