A critical review on graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4)-based materials: Preparation, modification and environmental application

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4)-based materials have received extensive attention due to their unique characteristics, such as optical properties, high chemical stability, facile synthesis. In this review, the recent advances in g-C3N4 composites were systematically analyzed and summarized, including preparation, characterization, modification, and environmental application, particularly focusing on the modification mechanisms and environmental applications. Firstly, the preparation methods of g-C3N4 on the basis of pyrolysis were introduced. Then, the characterization techniques for determining the structure of g-C3N4 and the corresponding specific parameters, such as X diffraction angle and C-N binding energy were briefly introduced. Thirdly, various modification methods of g-C3N4 were discussed. Fourthly, the diverse applications of g-C3N4 in the field of environmental remediation were summarized in detail, such as photo-catalyst, Fenton-like catalyst, adsorbent, and disinfectant. Finally, the concluding remarks and perspectives were made for further study. This review will deepen the understanding of the state of the art of g-C3N4, including the preparation, characterization, modification and environmental application.