g-C3N4-based nanocomposites for the photocatalytic degradation of VOCs: A review

With the rapid development of industries, the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by various chemical projects has been deteriorating the surrounding ecological environments and health of human being. Photocatalysis is an economic approach to solve environmental problems by using light irradiation to kick off chemical reactions under the action of photocatalysts. Owing to a narrow band gap, suitable redox potential, and high chemical stability, graphite carbon nitride (g-C3N4) has been widely adopted for performing cost-effective photocatalysis. However, the rapid recombination of electrons (e−) and holes (h+) on pure g-C3N4 leads to its poor photocatalytic activity. To alleviate this shortcoming, g-C3N4 has been reported in composite form (doped with other nanomaterials: carbon, metal, oxide, ion doping etc.) Herein, we review detail research progress of four g-C3N4-based photocatalytic nanocomposites for the degradation of VOCs. Finally, we propose a scope for future research work for fabricating advanced g-C3N4-based heterostructure composite photocatalysts to treat VOCs admission.