Efficient synthesis of porous graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets with different precursors via thermal condensation

Abstract Porous graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets were synthesized by the thermal condensation method using various precursors such as urea and melamine. Relevant properties of as-synthesized products were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TG) and differential thermal analysis (DTA). The overall results suggest that the formation of porous graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets with a varied morphology can be achieved using diverse precursors through this process. Based on this product yield analysis, it is suggested that melamine and the lower synthesis temperature be selected to achieve the higher yield of graphitic carbon nitride production. The present work provides a facile and economic method for controlling the morphology and properties of graphitic carbon nitride products.