Doping of graphitic carbon nitride for photocatalysis

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) is a promising material for photocatalytic applications as a metal-free polymeric environmentally benign catalyst. Recent advancements in the photocatalytic properties of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) for various applications have gained tremendous interest in research. However, its low surface area, insufficient active sites, rapid charge recombination rate of photogenerated carriers, and insufficient light absorption in the visible region reduce its photocatalytic activity. In this regard, doping of heteroatoms has been demonstrated as a crucial design strategy for the development of high-performance g-C3N4-based photocatalysts. In this updated and all-inclusive chapter, we briefly discuss the doping of different heteroatoms with their photocatalysis mechanism, primarily focusing on nonprecious elemental doping via various synthesis techniques of noble metal-free doped g-C3N4 photocatalysts. Typically, metal, nonmetal, and rare earth metal doping and co-doping have been explored, which demonstrates the synergistic behavior of the doped nanocomposites in the modulation of electronic structure, broadens the visible light absorption range, and enhances photocatalytic ability to obtain maximum efficiency.