Multidimensional (0D-3D) functional nanocarbon: Promising material to strengthen the photocatalytic activity of graphitic carbon nitride

As a prospective visible-light-responsive photochemical material, graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) has become a burgeoning research hot topics and aroused a wide interest as a metal-free semiconductor in the area of energy utilization and conversion, environmental protection due to its unique properties, such as facile synthesis, high physicochemical stability, excellent electronic band structure, and sustainability. However, the shortcomings of high recombination rate of charge carriers, relatively low electrical conductivity and visible light absorption impede its practical application. Various strategies, such as surface photosensitization, heteroatom deposition, semiconductor hybridization, etc., have been applied to overcome the barriers. Among all the strategies, functional nanocarbon materials with various dimensions (0D∼3D) attract much attention as modifiers of g-C3N4 due to their unique electronic properties, optical properties, and easy functionalization. More importantly, the properties of these functional nanocarbon materials can be tuned by various dimensions and thus there will be a way to overcome the defects of g-C3N4 by choosing different dimensional carbon materials. Distinguishing from some present reviews, this review starts with the fundamental physicochemical characteristics of g-C3N4 materials, followed by analyzing the advantages of functional nanocarbon materials modifying g-C3N4. Then, we present a systematic introduction to various dimensional carbon materials.The design philosophy of carbon/g-C3N4 composites and the advanced studies are exemplified in detail. Finally, a nichetargeting summary and outlook on the major challenges, opportunities for future research in high-powered carbon/g-C3N4 composites was proposed.