Modification of sulfur doped carbon nitride and its application in photocatalysis

As a metal-free polymer, graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) has spurred extensive consideration over their inorganic counterparts due to the unique physical and chemical properties. However, the low specific surface area, high charge recombination rate and insufficient light absorption limit its application in the field of photocatalysis. Sulfur doping has been demonstrated as an efficient strategy for to promote light absorption and radiative carrier separation. On the basis of sulfur-doped carbon nitride, many of its modified composites have been synthesized and applied in photocatalysis, and have achieved dazzling results. Here, we introduce the basic properties of sulfur doped carbon nitride and its preparation method, and then discuss the effective method of controlling the introduction of sulfur doped g-C3N4. In addition, the achievement of sulfur doped g-C3N4 for several applications, including water splitting, carbon dioxide reduction, organic compounds degradation, inorganic matter transformation, nitrogen fixation and bacteria disinfection, were comprehensively reviewed. Finally, outstanding challenges and prospective perspectives are discussed, which might provide a new idea for the photocatalysts design for photocatalytic activity improvement.