Review of 2D Graphitic Carbon Nitride-Based Membranes: Principles, Syntheses, and Applications

Membrane separation is a central area of research in chemical engineering because of its important status as the key technology in chemical separation and water treatment processes. Recently, polymeric graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) has emerged as a candidate material for membrane applications because of its appealing physiochemical properties and ease of fabrication. Herein we review the progress of g-C3N4-based membranes, including the peculiarity of two-dimensional (2D) g-C3N4, the tailoring of functionality, and integration into membrane stacks for practical applications in gas separation, water purification, pervaporation, photocatalytic water filtration, oil-in-water separation, and polymer electrolyte membranes. Moreover, possible development directions of g-C3N4-based membranes are discussed along with the current challenges and future perspectives.