g‐C3N4 Nanosheet Nanoarchitectonics: H2 Generation and CO2 Reduction

Abstract Few‐layered graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C 3 N 4 ) has been considered a popular base for constructing composite materials in photocatalytic CO 2 reduction and H 2 generation applications, particularly for constructing g‐C 3 N 4 based composites based on the idea of nanoarchitectonics. The photocatalytic activity of these constructed g‐C 3 N 4 composites relies on the composition, morphology, microstructure of the material. This review aims to focus on the summary of latest progress in the development of few‐layered g‐C 3 N 4 nanosheets based noble metal clusters/nanoparticles and other semiconductor nanomaterials modified composite materials constructed using the technology of nanoarchitectonics for photocatalytic H 2 generation and CO 2 reduction. This review covers a brief introduction of the enhanced photogenerated carrier separation and transfer as well as extended light absorption of superior thin g‐C 3 N 4 nanosheets based photocatalysts; discussions on the mechanism of g‐C 3 N 4 based photocatalyst involved photocatalytic H 2 O splitting and CO 2 reduction system; the latest progress in the study of nanoarchitectonics of a variety of g‐C 3 N 4 based heterostructures including type II, Z‐scheme, S‐scheme, and Schottky junction. Major challenges on nanoarchitectonics of superior thin g‐C 3 N 4 based heterostructures, as well as the recommendations for future studies of these materials to attain higher efficiency in photocatalytic H 2 generation and CO 2 reduction, are also concluded.