Graphitic Carbon Nitride Materials for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production via Water Splitting: A Short Review

Abstract

The generation of photocatalytic hydrogen via water splitting under light irradiation is attracting much attention as an alternative to solve such problems as global warming and to increase interest in clean energy. However, due to the low efficiency and selectivity of photocatalytic hydrogen production under solar energy, a major challenge persists to improve the performance of photocatalytic hydrogen production through water splitting. In recent years, graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4), a non-metal photocatalyst, has emerged as an attractive material for photocatalytic hydrogen production. However, the fast recombination of photoexcited electron–hole pairs limits the rate of hydrogen evolution and various methods such as modification, heterojunctions with semiconductors, and metal and non-metal doping have been applied to solve this problem. In this review, we cover the rational design of g-C3N4-based photocatalysts achieved using methods such as modification, metal and non-metal doping, and heterojunctions, and we summarize recent achievements in their application as hydrogen production photocatalysts. In addition, future research and prospects of hydrogen-producing photocatalysts are also reviewed.

g-C3N4 Derived Materials for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production: A Mini Review on Design Strategies

“…As described above, typical normal potentials of redox reaction with g-C 3 N 4 band-energy gap under pH of 7 are presented in Fig. 3 [22].…”

Recent Progress Using Solid-State Materials for Hydrogen Storage: A Short Review

“…Graphene derivatives such as graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) are other promising materials for the hydrogen storage system [125][126][127]. Functional groups such as hydroxyls, carbonyls, and carboxyls trap hydrogen molecules via hydrogen bonds that are stronger than the London dispersive force [128]. Moreover, oxygen-containing functional groups not only form gaps between graphene layers but also creates suitable conditions for loading metal nanoparticles in order to create higher hy- Graphene derivatives such as graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) are other promising materials for the hydrogen storage system [125][126][127].…”

Immobilized TiO2/ZnO Sensitized Copper (II) Phthalocyanine Heterostructure for the Degradation of Ibuprofen under UV Irradiation

“…Notwithstanding reasonable achievements over the past decades in TiO 2 /ZnO-based heterogeneous photocatalysis for water purification applications, laudable progress has also been made generally in the area of the advancement of photocatalysis technology with current research efforts focused on heterostructure photocatalysts for improved sustainable applications. For instance, Seong Jun Mun and Soo-Jin Park in a short review examined graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4 )-an attractive material for photocatalytic hydrogen production, communicating various rational design of their base materials aimed at addressing among other issues charge recombination during their application while also highlighting their recent achievements as applied hydrogen production photocatalysts [31]. Metal sulfide composite nanomaterials for photocatalytic hydrogen production has equally been examined with focused attention ranging from their key experimental parameters, in situ characterization methods, performances etc., on ways of how their heterogeneous, immobilized, and magnetically separable forms can deal with the problem of their rapid charge recombination [32].…”