Latest progress in g-C3N4 based heterojunctions for hydrogen production via photocatalytic water splitting: a mini review

Abstract Graphitic carbon nitride based heterojunction photocatalysts have gained increasing attention in producing the clean energy source of hydrogen. Coupling carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4 ) with other semiconductor materials or metals as co-catalysts is considered as an effective strategy to overcome the drawbacks of g-C 3 N 4 such as the quick recombination of photogenerated charges. In this review, the recent research advancements in the construction of g-C 3 N 4 -based heterojunctions as well as their different charge separation/transfer mechanisms will be systematically discussed, making special emphasis on the design and fabrication of type-II, Z-scheme, S-scheme and Schottky heterojunctions and their application towards H 2 generation from water splitting. Finally, a summary and some crucial issues, which should be further resolved for developing advanced g-C 3 N 4 -based heterojunction photocatalysts, are presented.