Photocatalytic elimination of environmental pollutants by immobilized g-C3N4-based materials

Human activities have significantly impacted global energy and the environment. In the pursuit of balance between sustainable human development and ecological preservation, green and efficient methods for removing pollutants using clean energy have emerged as an effective strategy. Semiconductor-based photocatalysis technology offers a promising approach by utilizing light energy to address environmental pollution. This technology involves using light-activated materials to accelerate chemical reactions that break down pollutants, thereby reducing harmful substances in the air, water, and soil without producing secondary pollutants. Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4 ), as a polymeric semiconductor photocatalyst with visible-light-driven properties and a suitable bandgap, has been intensively investigated for the elimination of environmental pollutants. However, the immobilization of the powdered g-C 3 N 4 -based photocatalysts from pollutant media for the convenience of recovery remains challenging. This comprehensive review focuses on the immobilization of g-C 3 N 4 on various types of carriers and the photocatalytic mechanisms as well as their applications in the removal of environmental pollutants. Finally, the challenges in immobilization of g-C 3 N 4 -based photocatalysts and their prospects in environmental protection, and the future research directions are described.