Open Access

REVIEW

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

Kai Su^1,*, Shaoqi Deng¹, Linxiao Li¹, Qirui Qin¹, Jingyu Yang¹, Yan Chen^2,3, Shengli Zhang¹, Junming Chen¹

1 Faculty of Geosciences and Environmental Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 611756, China
2 Analysis and Testing Center, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
3 MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of the Environment, School of Chemistry, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, China

* Corresponding Author: Kai Su. Email:

Journal of Renewable Materials 2022, 10(3), 653-663. https://doi.org/10.32604/jrm.2022.018556

Received 02 August 2021; Accepted 20 August 2021; Issue published 28 September 2021

Abstract

Hydrogen production through solar energy is one of the most important pathways to meet the growing demand of renewable energy, and photocatalyst participation in solar hydrolytic hydrogen production has received great attention in recent years in terms of low cost, high efficiency, and flexible design. Particularly, g-C₃N₄ (Graphitic-like carbon nitride material), as a unique material, can catalyze the hydrogen production process by completing the separation and transmission of charge. The easily adjustable pore structure/surface area, dimension, band-gap modulation and defect have shown great potential for hydrogen production from water cracking. In this review, the most recent advance of g-C₃N₄ including the doping of metal and non-metal elements, and the formation of semiconductor heterojunction is highlighted. The main modification strategies and approaches for the design of g-C₃N₄ for hydrogen production, as well as the influence of various materials on hydrogen evolution regarding the photocatalysis mechanism and advantages brought by theoretical calculations are specially and briefly illustrated. Potential design pathways and strategies of g-C₃N₄ are discussed. In addition, current challenges of hydrogen production from g-C₃N₄ water splitting are summarized and can be expected.

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