Engineering of Graphitic Carbon Nitride (g‐C₃N₄) Based Photocatalysts for Atmospheric Protection: Modification Strategies, Recent Progress, and Application Challenges

Abstract

Graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) is a prominent photocatalyst that has attracted substantial interest in the field of photocatalytic environmental remediation due to the low cost of fabrication, robust chemical structure, adaptable and tunable energy bandgaps, superior photoelectrochemical properties, cost‐effective feedstocks, and distinctive framework. Nonetheless, the practical application of bulk g‐C3N4 in the photocatalysis field is limited by the fast recombination of photogenerated e−‐h+ pairs, insufficient surface‐active sites, and restricted redox capacity. Consequently, a great deal of research has been devoted to solving these scientific challenges for large‐scale applications. This review concisely presents the latest advancements in g‐C3N4‐based photocatalyst modification strategies, and offers a comprehensive analysis of the benefits and preparation techniques for each strategy. It aims to articulate the complex relationship between theory, microstructure, and activities of g‐C3N4‐based photocatalysts for atmospheric protection. Finally, both the challenges and opportunities for the development of g‐C3N4‐based photocatalysts are highlighted. It is highly believed that this special review will provide new insight into the synthesis, modification, and broadening of g‐C3N4‐based photocatalysts for atmospheric protection.