Photocatalytic properties of graphitic carbon nitrides (g-C₃N₄) for sustainable green hydrogen production: Recent advancement

Global warming and associated environmental issues along with the increasing energy demand are pushing the world community to seriously implement and integrate clean energy sources into the present energy mix. Among the different clean energy sources, hydrogen in considered as one of the most promising one. Hydrogen is abundant; however, it is hardly available in its pure form. Therefore, it has to be produced from its sources, hydrogen can be obtained from hydrocarbons and biomass with CO₂ capture in place and also from water. Total green hydrogen can be obtained by water splitting using suitable photocatalysts and also by electrocatalysis (powered by green electricity). Photocatalysis of water is a cost-effective approach and many photocatalysts have been tried. Among the many photocatalysts, graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) is shining due to its suitable bandgap, abundance, and better stability. In some cases, it has even outperformed Pt-based photocatalysts. Therefore, in this article recent advancements of these fascinating photocatalysts have been reviewed in terms of materials development and photocatalytic performances.