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Graphitic Carbon Nitride (g-C 3 N 4 ) in Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production: Critical Overview and Recent Advances

Author

Listed:
  • Periklis Kyriakos

    (School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Zografou, 15780 Athens, Greece)

  • Evangelos Hristoforou

    (School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Zografou, 15780 Athens, Greece)

  • George V. Belessiotis

    (School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Zografou, 15780 Athens, Greece)

Abstract

Graphitic carbon Nitride (g-C 3 N 4 ) is one of the most utilized graphitic materials in hydrogen (H 2 ) production via photocatalytic water splitting. Thus, a detailed critical overview, updated with the most recent works, has been performed on the synthesis methods, modification techniques, characterization, and mechanisms of g-C 3 N 4 and g-C 3 N 4 -based composite materials, with the aim of clarifying the optimum course towards highly efficient hydrogen-producing photocatalysts based on this promising material. First, the synthesis methods for different morphologies of pure g-C 3 N 4 (bulk, nanosheets, nanotubes and nanodots) are critically analyzed in detail for every step and parameter involved, with special mention regarding the modification methods of g-C 3 N 4 (doping and composite formation). Next, the most common results of g-C 3 N 4 characterization, regarding structural, morphological, optical, and electrical properties, are presented and analyzed. Then, a detailed critical survey of the mechanisms, using g-C 3 N 4 and g-C 3 N 4 -based composites during photocatalytic activity, is performed with a focus on their effect on their hydrogen production capabilities via water splitting. This review aims to provide a clear image of all aspects regarding the use of g-C 3 N 4 for photocatalysis, as well as a comprehensive guide for research targeted towards this promising graphitic material.

Suggested Citation

  • Periklis Kyriakos & Evangelos Hristoforou & George V. Belessiotis, 2024. "Graphitic Carbon Nitride (g-C 3 N 4 ) in Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production: Critical Overview and Recent Advances," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(13), pages 1-35, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:13:p:3159-:d:1423234
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ding, Qun & Zou, Xuejun & Ke, Jun & Dong, Yuying & Cui, Yubo & Lu, Guang & Ma, Hongchao, 2023. "S-scheme 3D/2D NiCo2O4@g-C3N4 hybridized system for boosting hydrogen production from water splitting," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 203(C), pages 677-685.
    2. Belessiotis, George V. & Kontos, Athanassios G., 2022. "Plasmonic silver (Ag)-based photocatalysts for H2 production and CO2 conversion: Review, analysis and perspectives," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 195(C), pages 497-515.
    3. Acheampong, Alex O. & Opoku, Eric Evans Osei, 2023. "Environmental degradation and economic growth: Investigating linkages and potential pathways," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 123(C).
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    1. Li, Bohao & Lu, Qizhao & Li, Jiwei & Zhou, Liwu & He, Baichuan & Jing, Dengwei, 2026. "Hydrogen production performance of a g-C3N4 nanofluid based concentrating photothermal-catalysis/photovoltaic-electrolysis hybrid system," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 256(PD).

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