Graphitic carbon nitride and polymers: a mutual combination for advanced properties

Cao, Q., Kumru, B., Antonietti, M. and Schmidt, B. V.K.J. (2020) Graphitic carbon nitride and polymers: a mutual combination for advanced properties. Materials Horizons, 7(3), pp. 762-786. (doi: 10.1039/C9MH01497G)

Abstract

The sheet-like material graphitic carbon-nitride (g-C3N4) is one of the most promising metal-free photocatalysts and utilized for variuous purposes, e.g. energy conversion, waste water remediation or organic synthesis. g-C3N4 features a suitable band gap in the visible light range and outstanding physicochemical stability. However, g-C3N4 features drawbacks such as structural disorder, low conductivity, poor dispersibility and in turn low processability. Amongst the strategies to improve g-C3N4 properties, combination with polymers is a promising avenue toward advanced materials. The present critical review highlights the development and investigation of g-C3N4/polymer combination, including (1) g-C3N4 as photoinitiator for polymer snythesis, (2) polymer modified g-C3N4 for improved dispersibility, (3) g-C3N4/polymer hybrid materials fabricated via physical or covalent attachment and (4) g-C3N4 based hydrogels. The fabrication methods and application of these areas will be critically reviewed and the advantage of g-C3N4/polymer combination comprehensively presented. Moreover, the broad range of applications is highlighted, e.g. photocatalysis, batteries, biosensors, H2 evolution and films. Finally, this review will conclude with a summary and perspective on future directions as well as current challenges of this research area. In order to stimulate new research regarding the design and construction of g-C3N4/polymer materials.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: The authors are grateful for funding from Max-Planck society.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Schmidt, Dr Bernhard
• Authors: Cao, Q., Kumru, B., Antonietti, M., and Schmidt, B. V.K.J.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Chemistry
• Journal Name: Materials Horizons
• Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry
• ISSN: 2051-6347
• ISSN (Online): 2051-6347
• Published Online: 19 November 2019
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2019 The Royal Society of Chemistry
• First Published: First published in Materials Horizons 7(3): 762-786
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License